Victim families receive compensation

The authorities of BM Container Depot Ltd have distributed Tk 5.67 crore in compensation cheques to some families of the victims of the devastating fire that occurred earlier this month at the company's facility at the Chattogram port.

The cheques were presented to the families of some 69 victims, including deceased and injured company workers, as well as deceased firefighters, at the Chattogram Circuit House on Monday afternoon.

Families of deceased firefighters received Tk 15 lakh each in compensation, while those of injured and deceased company workers received Tk 4-10 lakh each.

On June 4, a devastating fire broke out at a container facility in Sitakunda, 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Chattogram's port, resulting in multiple explosions and the deaths of 46 people, including firefighters.

Speaking at the programme, Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Md Mominur Rahman, said, “The manner in which the local residents rushed to stand by the victims after the fire and explosion set a precedent for the rest of the country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was also moved by the people of Chattogram's sincerity in this incident.”

“Many more were killed or injured in the incident, but their identities still remain unknown. Following their identification through DNA tests, the compensation will be distributed to their families as determined by the administration,” according to a BM Depot official.

Former mayor of Chattogram City Corporation, AJM Nasir Uddin, as well as directors and officials from BM Depot, were present at the programme.