Mirpur fire probe stalls over missing report

Police have yet to produce the charge sheet a year after 16 people died in a fire that started at an illegal chemical warehouse before sweeping through an adjacent garments factory in the capital’s Mirpur.
“Although we received all other reports, including post-mortem and forensics, we are unable to submit the charge sheet in absence of the Fire Service and Civic Defence [FSCD] report,” said Mohammad Hafizullah, inspector (investigation) at Rupnagar Police Station.
Hafizullah explained that the FSCD report is crucial for the charge sheet as it would establish the cause of the fire, where it began, what toxic gasses were present and what safety measures were missing.
The investigating officer also said they asked the FSCD for their findings on 26 September, but have yet to receive any response.
However, FSCD Director (operations and maintenance) Lieutenant Colonel Md Mahmudul Hasan, informed that they have already submitted the report directly to Hafizullah on 4 October.
After learning of this development, Daily Sun again reached out to Hafizullah for a comment.
“Then I’m not aware of the matter. I’m looking into it,” he said.
The deadly fire that broke out on 14 October last year raised questions about fire safety, including measures for storing hazardous materials and possible negligence.
A case was filed on the following day by Saiful Islam, brother of deceased worker Sanwar Hossain. 
The case accused warehouse owner Shah Alam and seven others, along with 10-15 unidentified people.
Asked about the case’s progress and their next course of action, Saiful declined to comment.
But according to local sources, the victims’ families are negotiating with Alam to receive money in exchange for withdrawing the case. 
Alam has also reportedly assured them of jobs, accommodation and meals at another chemical factory he owns in Birulia area of Savar.
When asked about the matter, Alam declined to comment.
According to the investigating officer, Alam went into prolonged hiding following the incident but eventually returned after obtaining bail from the High Court on 24 November last year.
Another accused, Nazrul Islam Zinna, who owns the garments unit named NRS Factory, is absconding.
Zinna allegedly kept the factory gates locked as always to ensure that workers complete their shifts as per the schedule, leaving them trapped inside during the fire.
“The gates are usually locked after shifts begin and opened during lunch breaks,” said Shipon, who works at a nearby factory.
According to the FSCD, the chemical warehouse stored bleaching powder, plastic and hydrogen peroxide without fire safety clearance or the required departmental licence.