The Ukhiya upazila administration has imposed Section 144 around a tube-well drilling site in Inani, Cox’s Bazar, after underground gas leakage triggered a fire, restricting public movement within a 200-metre radius.
The restriction was imposed to prevent accidents and ensure public safety, according to an official order signed by Ukhiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Executive Magistrate Panna Akter around midnight on Thursday.
The order will remain in force until further notice.
The fire broke out around 7am on 27 October at a house near Inani Chhoto Khal Bridge in Ward 6 of Jaliapalong Union. Gas began escaping from underground after a drilling pipe reached a depth of around 1,000 feet during tube-well installation.
Several Fire Service units worked to bring the fire under control under the supervision of the upazila administration.
Following concerns over a possible natural gas reserve in the area, a technical team from Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (Bapex) visited the site to assess the situation and provide necessary advice.
An emergency meeting was held at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources on Thursday to discuss the incident and determine safety measures, the administration said.
The meeting decided to divide the area around the source of the fire into different security zones and introduce precautionary measures.
Under the order, lighting fires, smoking, using matches or lighters, and engaging in any activity that could produce sparks have been prohibited at the site and in its surrounding areas.
The administration warned that legal action would be taken against anyone violating the restrictions.
