The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, has formally communicated his profound grief and “deep shock” following the catastrophic fire and subsequent explosions at a private container depot in Sitakunda, located near the vital port city of Chittagong (Chattogram). The disaster, which has claimed scores of lives and left hundreds more with life-altering injuries, has resonated deeply across the border, prompting a high-level diplomatic gesture of solidarity from New Delhi.
In a personal letter addressed to his Bangladeshi counterpart, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Indian Premier conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the Indian government and its “brotherly people.” He described the incident as a monumental tragedy and expressed his unwavering sympathy for the families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty or as victims of the initial blast.
A Gesture of Regional Solidarity
Beyond the expression of sorrow, Prime Minister Modi’s correspondence included a firm commitment to provide practical assistance. He extended a “goodwill gesture” to the Government of Bangladesh, offering any possible support required for the ongoing relief operations and the long-term rehabilitation of those affected. This offer underscores the robust humanitarian and strategic partnership between the two neighbouring nations, particularly in times of domestic crisis.
The Sitakunda incident, specifically occurring at the BM Container Depot, has been one of the most severe industrial accidents in recent Bangladeshi history. The blaze was exacerbated by the presence of hazardous chemicals, including hydrogen peroxide, stored within the shipping containers. The subsequent explosions proved particularly lethal for the first responders from the Fire Service and Civil Defence, who were unaware of the chemical risks upon their initial arrival.
Summary of Incident and Diplomatic Response
The following table provides a concise overview of the disaster’s impact and the ensuing diplomatic engagement:
| Feature | Details and Context |
| Incident Location | BM Container Depot, Sitakunda, Chittagong |
| Primary Cause | Chemical fire leading to multiple explosions |
| Key Casualties | Civilians and Fire Service personnel |
| Indian Response | Formal letter of condolence and offer of aid |
| Focus of Support | Relief, medical assistance, and rehabilitation |
| Bilateral Tone | “Brotherly people” and regional solidarity |
The Indian Prime Minister concluded his message by offering solemn prayers for the swift recovery of the hundreds of injured survivors currently receiving treatment in various hospitals, including the Chattogram Medical College Hospital. He reaffirmed that India stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Bangladesh during this period of national mourning, highlighting the shared values and close ties that define the relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi.
The tragedy has prompted a wider discussion on industrial safety and chemical storage protocols within the region’s shipping industry. As Bangladesh moves into the rehabilitation phase, the support offered by India may prove vital in enhancing medical facilities and emergency response training for future industrial contingencies.