Sajeeb Group chairman, sons get bail in case over deadly factory fire

The chairman of Sajeeb Group, MA Hashem, and his two sons have secured bail in a case initiated over the deaths of dozens of workers in a factory fire in Narayanganj.

On Monday, the court of Narayanganj’s Senior District and Sessions Judge Anisur Rahman granted them bail.

The court granted bail to MA Hashem, 70, and his two sons Hasib Bin Hashem, 39, the company's deputy managing director, and Tareq Ibrahim, 35, a director, after holding a hearing on the bail pleas of six accused filed by the defence lawyer.

Hashem's two other sons Tawsib Ibrahim, 33, and Tanjim Ibrahim, 21, were released on bail on July 14.

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Prosecutor Md Moniruzzaman Bulbul said: “I opposed this bail. The court has granted them bail, but there is no exemption from the law. All those found guilty in this case will be brought to justice under the law.”

The other arrestees in the case are Sajeeb Group CEO Shahan Shah Azad, 43; Hashem Foods Deputy General Manager Mamunur Rashid, 53; and Sajeeb Group Sub-Station Manager (Admin) Md Salahuddin, 30.

At least 52 workers were killed in a fire that broke out in a six-storey building of Hashem Foods and Beverages Limited, a subsidiary of Sajib Group, in Karnagop area of Rupganj in Narayanganj on July 8 at around 4:30pm. 

Three investigation committees have been formed over the incident.

The Fire Service has blamed a faulty fire safety system at the factory for the fatal blaze.

One of the staircases leading to the rooftop was also locked, leaving many workers trapped inside the burning building, according to firefighters. 

The eight people were shown arrested by the police on charges of murder and attempted murder on July 10. Bhulta police outpost In-Charge Inspector Nazimuddin Mozumder started the case.

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On the same day, the police presented them in court with a 10-day remand plea, but the court granted them four days’ remand.

Narayanganj District Labour Inspector Saikat Mahmud filed a case with the Labour Court on July 14 as the use of child labour in the factory had been proved.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was handed the responsibility of investigating the case on July 17.

A four-member investigation team, including Narayanganj District Inspector Mohammad Ataur of the CID, has been formed in the case.