Probe to be unearthed whether Ctg depot fire was sabotage: Dr Hasan

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud Monday said a probe into Chattogram container depot fire incident would reveal whether it was a sabotage or accident. "Was it just an accident or a sabotage to tarnish the image of the country and halt export trade or an ill-effort to fade the joy of Padma Bridge inauguration?" he questioned.

 "As you know, after construction of Padma Bridge and announcement of the date of Padma Bridge inauguration, there was a mischievous attempt to create chaos in the country. Chaos has also been created in some places...an investigation was on to know whether there was any sabotage in the Sitakunda accident," he added.

Hasan, also the Awami League joint general secretary, made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting the injured fire victims at Chattogram Medical Collage Hospital (CMCH) here this evening.

North district Awami League President MA Salam, south district AL General secretary Mofizur Rahman, CMCH director Brigadier general Shamim Ahasan and its Principal Dr Shahna Akter, among others, accompanied with the minister. 

Dr Hasan said some media outlets have reported on television and newspapers that the container depot was belonged to an Awami League (AL) leader. 

"I found out that the ownership of this depot of AL leader Mujibur Rahman is only five percent," he added. 

The information minister said the Prime Minister had instructed the administration, the AL leaders and activists at all levels to do everything possible for the fire victims.

"As per her directives, the civil administration, medical college hospitals and private hospitals have already come forward to help them. I conveyed my sincere thanks to them. The leaders and activists at all levels of our party immediately came forward to help the victims. The AL leaders and workers have been there from the beginning to rescue the victims from the spot," he said.

According to the directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, many people donated blood and extended their necessary support to the victims, he said.

Hasan said there was no shortage of blood even for those in need.

Replying to a statement of BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir that government was failed in all areas and not able to make any progress in health sector, he said he (Fakhrul) didn’t know whether he spoke consciously or not.

The AL joint general secretary said if the health system of Bangladesh was not good, it would not be topped in the South Asia in dealing with coronavirus pandemic. 

"In this way, health workers, doctors and those involved in management have come forward since the accident is unimaginable," he said.

Hasan said BNP leader Fakhrul did not see the incident he delivered the statement staying in Thakurgaon and gave an imaginary speech, while no BNP leader or activist came to the spot. 

"There was no BNP leader or activist to donate blood or fluids to the patients. All the leaders and workers of Awami League have been giving support to this end," he added.