Families of missing individuals from Gazi Tyres factory fire in Narayanganj's Rupganj staged a road blockade on the Dhaka-Narayanganj link road near the District Commissioner's office on Sunday.
At around 11 AM on Sunday, women and children held photographs of their missing loved ones and blocked the road for an hour, causing severe traffic congestion.
Later, Narayanganj Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Jafar Sadiq Chowdhury convinced the protesters to vacate the road. They then met with the Additional District Magistrate at the District Commissioner's office to voice their concerns.
The families reported that their loved ones had been missing since the attack, looting, and arson at the Gazi Tyres factory on August 25. They expressed frustration over the lack of progress in locating the missing individuals despite four months passing since the incident.
They also alleged that authorities claim the missing individuals might not have survived, but no bodies or remains have been provided to the families.
Demanding clear answers and recovery of their loved ones, they claime, "Calls to the mobile numbers of some missing individuals are still connecting, raising hope but also confusion."
District Commissioner Mohammad Mahmudul Haque said, "An eight-member investigation committee, led by the Additional District Magistrate, identified 182 missing individuals and the findings have been sent to the Superintendent of Police for further action."
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police Protyush Kumar Mojumdar said, "A general diary (GD) was filed following the factory fire. A district investigation report has been submitted and DNA testing of remains is ongoing. Authorities assured families that the results of the investigation will be shared once completed."
The fire at Gazi Tyres factory not only caused extensive damage but also left numerous families in a state of uncertainty, awaiting closure. Investigations are ongoing, but the affected families are demanding expedited action to resolve the case.
