Expressing concern over the deadly Narayanganj juice factory fire, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) on Saturday urged the government to conduct a proper investigation into the incident.
The primary textile millers’ trade body also extended deep condolence to the bereaved families of the fatal incident.
The fire broke out at the juice factory of Hashem Foods in Rupganj, Narayanganj on July 08 and took the lives of at least 52 people.
Terming the death and injuries caused by the fire “very unfortunate and unacceptable, BTMA director Md expressed their concern and made the appeal at a press briefing held at a city hotel.
It has been noticed that some of the concerned local authorities/bodies involved in setting up the industrial establishments and constantly supervising or monitoring the industrial establishments have been making various statements regarding the fire incident, he said.
“Through this, the concerned authorities are consciously trying to pass the blame to one another,” he said adding “We request the government to bring justice through an impartial investigation of the fire incident. Otherwise, it will be difficult to prevent such accidents in future.”
Expressing grave concern, he also said they observed that after the fire incident a domestic and foreign quarter has been trying to disrupt the prevailing peace and order of the country’s industrial sector with various unsolicited statements centring the incident.
Some people are tarnishing the image of export-oriented industries by spreading rumours in the country and abroad, he alleged strongly protesting such ‘false propaganda’.
Export-oriented industries especially the readymade garment (RMG) and textile mills have followed and continue to follow the compliances set by the Accord and the Alliance after the Rana Plaza building collapse.
Explaining the improvements made in the textile and RMG sector, he said “it is very unfortunate that a class of critics is giving negative comments that are damaging our image in the world which is purely intentional and very sad.”
The BTMA leader also urged the government to identify them and stop their misconduct.
