Ashulia factory explosion kills at least nine people

An explosion involving compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders at the Pretty Group factory compound in Ashulia, Bangladesh, killed at least nine people and injured more than 20 others on a Sunday evening. The blast occurred in an open parking area when a covered van carrying high-pressure cylinders exploded, triggering a chain reaction of secondary blasts.

Fire service officials reported that the gas transportation system used to fuel factory boilers was “completely illegal and unsafe.” Investigations revealed that some equipment was expired, including a cylinder marked “Don’t use after 2021.” The incident caused significant damage to nearby structures, with shrapnel striking adjacent facilities and residential areas.

While the Pretty Composite Textile Ltd facility holds a LEED Platinum green certification from the US Green Building Council, the explosion has highlighted severe safety and compliance failures. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has announced a high-level investigation and issued stricter safety guidelines for handling flammable materials. The tragedy underscores the desperate measures taken by manufacturers to maintain production amid a deepening national energy crisis.