Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr. Hasan Mahmud on Monday said the government is investigating whether the Sitakunda fire is a real accident or sabotage to overshadow the inauguration ceremony of the much-awaited Padma Bridge.

“You all know that ill-attempts continued to create anarchy in the country after the announcement of the inauguration of the Padma Bridge. In some places, anarchy has been created. We need to investigate whether there was any sabotage in the deadly fire incident in Sitakunda,” he said.   

The minister made the remarks while briefing journalists after visiting the injured at Chattogram Medical College Hospital in the evening. 

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Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) director Brig Gen Shamim Ahsan, principal Dr. Shahena Akter, Chattogram zilla parishad administrator and  Chattogram North Awami League president MA Salam, Chattogram South Awami League general secretary Mafizur Rahman, Sitakunda upazila chairman SM Al Mamun, among others, were present.

Hasan Mahmud said, “Some media reported that the owner of this depot is an Awami League leader. The fact is Awami League leader Mujibur Rahman has only five percent ownership in the depot. Those who didn’t tell the 95 percent ownership and tried to make this the depot of an Awami League man, are not right. They did false journalism.”

Describing Awami League men’s effort to help the fire victims, the senior leader of the party said, “Awami League leaders and activists extended their helping hand as party president has directed to do this. Our men still are working on the spot.”

He also thanked civil administration, government, and private hospitals for their immediate response to the devastating fire incident.