Smart Group suspends release of hydrogen peroxide amid protests
A hydrogen peroxide factory run by the Smart Group, the owner of BM container depot where a devastating fire killed at least 41 people and injured over 200 others, has suspended release of consignments following protests by local residents and leaders.
The factory, located at South Pahratali of Hathazari upazila in Chattogram, is run by Al-Razi Chemical Complex Limited, a sister concern of Smart Group, now under public scrutiny after the massive blaze.
The fire that erupted on Saturday night is being blamed on the hydrogen peroxide-carrying containers kept at the depot amid allegations of lax security measures.
Mobin Hossain Khan, manager (administration) of Al-Razi Chemical Complex Ltd on Tuesday said that, complying with the demands of local people and leaders, the factory would refrain from releasing any consignment until the government completes probe into the fire and explosions.
Locals living near the factory demanded its closure fearing a disaster even bigger than the depot fire, Monjurl Alam Chowdhury, former member of district Awami League committee, said.
Monjurl along with Jafar Alam, a former commissioner of South Pahartali ward-1, and some locals met the manager admin, and Ibrahim Khalil, general manager of the Al-Razi Complex, on Monday afternoon to voice their fear.
‘We have requested the authority to suspend production and delivery of hydrogen peroxide from the factory until investigation into the depot fire completes. We will not have any objection if it is produced here following proper safety protocols and government guidelines,’ said Monjurl.
Hydrogen peroxide from this factory was kept at the BM Container Depot which was suspected to be turned into a death trap when the fire started on Saturday night.
Apart from hydrogen peroxide, PVC pipe, PVC door and other materials are produced in the Al-Razi Chemical Complex built across three acres of land at the foot of hills at Thandachhari area in 2019.
News Courtesy:
https://www.newagebd.net/article/172608/smart-group-suspends-release-of-hydrogen-peroxide-amid-protests
