Bangladesh arrests eight over mosque blast that killed 33 people

EIGHT people have been arrested in connection with a deadly gas explosion at a mosque outside the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka earlier this month, investigators said on Saturday.

Four engineers and four other officials employed by the state-run gas distribution company Titas were arrested for alleged negligence that caused the explosion in the mosque and the loss of 33 lives, police spokesman Mainul Hasasn said.

The explosion occurred on the night of September 4 towards the end of evening prayers at the Baitus Salat

ame mosque in Narayanganj district, 25 kilometres south of Dhaka.

That night, 37 people suffered severe injuries and were brought to Dhaka’s specialist burn and plastic surgery institute, hospital officials said.

Most died of their injuries. Only one person returned home, while three others are still being treated, Shamanto Lal Sen, head of the institute, told reporters.

A panel of investigators found gas from an underground pipe that was leaking had accumulated in the mosque, where the doors and windows were sealed, and that an electric spark might have caused the explosion.

Based on the findings, the gas distribution company suspended eight officials in charge of maintaining the lines, for negligence.

Police took the officials into custody on Saturday and sought the court’s permission to question them.

“They will face custodial interrogation for two days,” said Zishanul Haque, an officer at the police criminal investigation department.

He added the accused will be charged with culpable homicide. If proven guilty, they could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.