The news of more than fifty people, including children, suffering burn injuries due to a gas balloon explosion brought for an election rally in the Honda Road area of Tongi, near the capital Dhaka, is extremely tragic and alarming.
According to eyewitness accounts, the accident occurred just before a rally organized by a nominated candidate of a major political party. Among the injured, 12 people in critical condition have been transferred to the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this incident is a stark reflection of our administrative and social negligence.
Releasing colorful balloons at festivals or political gatherings is an old practice. However, the recent rise in the use of cheap and highly flammable hydrogen gas instead of helium is deeply concerning. Each of these balloons is practically a bomb.
Even slight friction, sparks, or heat can trigger a devastating explosion. The Tongi incident clearly demonstrates how dangerous it can be to carry such hazardous, flammable materials in crowded areas during rallies or assemblies.
It is worth noting that in 2019, six children died prematurely in a gas balloon explosion in the Rupnagar-11 area of Mirpur in the capital while buying balloons from a vendor. Such balloon sellers often seem like peddlers of death. In 2018, two people died on the spot in an explosion at a gas balloon factory inside a tin-shed house in the Shekhertek Bottola Gutibari area of Jatrabari.
A similar accident occurred in front of Dhaka Education Board Laboratory School and College in Mirpur-1, where a cylinder exploded while filling balloons, sending the vendor flying and injuring several students. In the same year, ten activists were burned when gas balloons they were carrying exploded inside a bus in Farmgate while heading to a procession marking a student organization’s anniversary.
We know that the use of gas in various sectors is regulated by the Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Limited (RPGCL), and licenses must be obtained from the Office of the Chief Explosives Inspector.
However, the hydrogen gas used in these balloons is produced through a mixture of chemicals. The gas is generated inside cylinders through chemical reactions and used to inflate balloons. Typically, balloon sellers carry out this work themselves, risking their lives, often with little or no knowledge of the chemicals involved. Such methods of gas production and usage are actually prohibited.
Yet, these gases are being produced and used recklessly in many places, which is unfortunate. If political workers themselves are not aware of these dangers, how can they raise public awareness? Balloon traders usually produce hydrogen gas by mixing acid with aluminum and other metals.
Therefore, law enforcement agencies must take proper action to stop the unauthorized production and use of such gases. Commercial production of hydrogen gas requires strict procedures, but those using it for balloons operate locally without following any regulations. Experts recommend using helium gas for balloons, but due to its higher cost, vendors resort to producing hydrogen themselves, putting their lives at risk.
In light of this situation, we strongly urge political parties and all social organizations to ensure that the lives of ordinary people are not endangered in the name of festivities or programs.
It is everyone’s moral responsibility. The administration must also maintain strict monitoring. To prevent the recurrence of such unwanted and tragic incidents, it is now imperative to verify the quality of gases used in balloons and take strict action against risky practices.
