MEHERPUR, Mar 3: Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) is on sale in the district without approval from the department concerned.
The traders are doing this risky business only taking trade licence from the municipalities and union parishads.
While visiting different markets of the district, it was found that there are no extinguishers at the shops where the LPG was selling. Though LPG dealers have licence, the retailers do not abide by the rules while selling and stocking LPG. Some retailers said they don't know about the explosive licence.
More than 100 LPG selling shops in the district along with hardware, cement, stationeries, and grocery shops are considered risky. Some cylinders were found very old, but those were newly coloured, and no instruction is inscribed on those. The sellers do not know about the date of expiry. There are no extinguishers or other fire-fighting equipment although it is mandatory.
As per the concerned rules, if LPG is allowed to stock without licence, there should be enough fire-fighting equipment for extinguishing fire caused by the LPG. In order to keep the cylinders containing gas, the business establishments will take licence from the competent authority compulsorily. If any trader violates the rules, he will face two-year to five-year jail and fine worth Taka 50,000, in default to serve in jail for six more months.
Mokbul Hossain, proprietor of Siraj Cycle Store and also an LPG trader at Gangni Bazaar told this correspondent that the LPG reaches consumers through retailers while dealers collect it from factory. He claimed that he has explosive licence but failed to show.
Trader Anwar Hossain does not know about the licence. However, he said that he will apply for the licence. Some other traders told the same.
On the other hand, the owners of different markets became panicked due to the trading of LPG cylinders.
Moniruzzaman Tota, owner of S R Market in Gangni told this correspondent that he rent out his shop for general business and not for explosive items. He requested the LPG trader to relocate his shop immediately.
Ashraful Islam, mayor of Gangni Municipality, said they only issue trade licence but not explosive licence.
Rafiqul Alam, president of Consumers Association of Bangladesh, Meherpur unit, said, "It is illegal to sell and stock LPG without certificate from the competent authorities. We are seeing that the LPG is selling hither and thither without having any fire extinguishers."
Fariduddin, explosive inspector of Khulna Division said, "We have not requisite manpower although we are taking action against those who violate rules. In order to increase awareness, we arrange seminar frequently. Action will be taken against those who do not abide by the rules."
When asked, Ataul Gani, deputy commissioner, said LPG trading is totally unlawful without licence and requisite fire-fighting equipment. In order to control the LPG trading, they will take action in this week, he added.
