The Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has allegedly picked up the owner of a shop that collapsed during an explosion in a building at Siddique Bazar in the capital on Tuesday, reports UNB.       

The detainee is Abdul Motalib Mintu, the owner of ‘Bangladesh Sanitary’.

“He went to the Dhaka Medical College hospital in search of his shop employees. His manager, Swapan, is yet to be found. Two employees were admitted to the hospital,” Abul Khayer told reporters on DMCH premises.

Meanwhile a DB official, who did not wish to be named, said Mintu was picked up by a team of DB's Lalbagh division. He is currently at the DB office in the capital’s Mintu Road.

“The explosion took place under his shop in the basement. That's why he's being questioned,” he told the news agency.

At least 19 people were killed and over 100 others injured in a massive explosion in a 5-storey building near a BRTC bus counter at Siddique Bazar in Gulistan area of the capital on Tuesday.

Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul