Bangladesh is witnessing a succession of tragic deaths, turning into a slaughterhouse. Approximately fifty lives were claimed in a devastating fire on Bailey Road, and another horrific fire occurred in Gazipur. On March 13, 36 individuals were burned in a gas cylinder explosion at the residence of Shafiqul Islam Khan in the Telirchala area of Kaliakoir, Gazipur. Many of them are currently in critical condition.

As per media reports, eleven individuals have passed away as of Monday night. The demise of these unfortunate individuals from the working-class area did not receive much attention on social media. Unlike incidents in places like Bailey Road, where the upper and middle class reside, the deaths of the working class may not have garnered as much social media attention. A prominent newspaper even stated that most of the victims were curious bystanders.

However, what is even more alarming is how these fires originate. Loss of life due to cylinder explosions or malfunctions is becoming all too common. Statistics from 2021 reveal 894 reported accidents involving cylinders that year alone. This rate is believed to have only increased over the last two years. In numerous incidents, the casualty count has surpassed at least twenty individuals.

Gas leakage often occurs due to malfunctions in crucial components such as the cylinder hose pipe, regulator, or gas valve. When gas leaks, it accumulates in enclosed spaces. Even the slightest ignition source, such as a spark, can lead to a catastrophic explosion.

As a consequence of the natural gas shortage, there has been a notable rise in the use of cylinders throughout the country. Unfortunately, like many others in the country, this sector is plagued by arbitrariness. Even in matters as perilous as this, opportunities are being exploited by unauthorised institutions through corrupt practices.

However, a more severe accusation is that certain influential companies in the country utilise sub-standard products within this industry. A prominent advisor to the Prime Minister, well-known for involvement in various manipulative schemes, including stock market scandals, is allegedly marketing low-quality and hazardous cylinders at substantial profits. These companies evade responsibility for maintenance after the sale of these cylinders. Moreover, there appears to be a lack of effort from the government to enforce testing or implement strict quality control measures in this regard.

Many journalists have stated that due to immense influence, newspapers cannot disclose the names of those involved in these businesses.

Life has turned into a nightmare for the people of this country, burdened by skyrocketing commodity prices, stifled by the absence of democracy, and oppressed by a police state. Cylinder gas has sadly become synonymous with death in this context.

In reality, people are not dying due to gas explosions and fire, but instead due to corruption and arbitrariness.