Photo: Collected

CHATTOGRAM, Aug 18, 2026 (BSS) - Police have initiated an accidental death (UD) case four days following the death of nine workers due to exposure to toxic gas at the Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Yard in Bhatiari, Sitakunda, Chattogram.
 
Simultaneously, the investigation committee has gathered preliminary information indicating a hazardous level of toxic gas present in the ballast tank of the ship involved in the incident. 

Sitakunda Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Mohinul Islam came up with the development today.
 
He said, "None of the families of the deceased or those affected by the incident have approached the police station to file a case. Consequently, the police registered a UD case on Monday as the complainant. Further legal proceedings will follow upon receipt of the forensic and investigation reports." 

Meanwhile, separate committees began investigations aboard the affected ship starting Monday afternoon.
 
Representatives from the Ministry of Industries, Chattogram District Administration, and the Bangladesh Shipbreakers and Recyclers Association (BSBRA) arrived at the site with enhanced security measures. 

The investigation team also comprised explosives experts from Dhaka, senior officials from the Ministry of Environment and Shipping, as well as personnel from the Chattogram Department of Environment, Department of Explosives, and Fire Service officials. 

Additional Secretary AKM Benjamin Riazi, who leads the investigation committee from the Ministry of Industries, said, "Initial findings suggest that the ballast tank of the ship contains toxic gas at perilous levels. On Tuesday, rescue teams from two organizations, Prantik and Alif, will assess the quantity and nature of the gas." 
 
He added the teams are examining whether there were other toxic gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, present on the ship, any flaws in the safety systems, or instances of negligence. 

On August 14, nine workers lost their lives after being exposed to toxic gas at the shipyard.