Probe finds Bangladesh factory fire was preventable

A district investigation has attributed a fire at Pretty Group’s factory in Bangladesh’s Ashulia area to negligence, unsafe gas handling, and inadequate worker training, according to a report obtained by The Business Standard.

Investigators said Pretty Composite Textiles Ltd lacked a mandatory Department of Explosives license for storing flammable materials, despite having renewed factory and fire licenses in August.

Potential contributing factors included transporting compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders in unsuitable vehicles, using cylinders past their retest dates, and handling damaged cylinders or valves.

The committee recommended restrictions on unlicensed gas transport, regular joint inspections, and training for industrial operators and transporters. It also called for recovered cylinders to undergo technical examination before reuse.

The newspaper reported that several officials involved in the investigation could not be reached for comment.