No risk in lighting stoves: Titas

There is no danger from the gas smell that residents of Dhaka complained about last night, and people should feel free to turn on their stoves, said officials of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited.

Two senior officials of Titas, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the smell has also diminished this morning.

The situation is now normal, the officials said.

"Smells are included in gases to protect people in the event of a leak. We have resolved all issues," they added.

Due to the closure of industries during the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday, the pressure on the gas line was higher than before as the demand for gas in Dhaka city decreased. Since odorant is mixed with gas, people got afraid after smelling odorant last night. At present, the gas supply in Dhaka city is normal and people are advised to light gas stoves comfortably, a press release of Titas said today.

Many city dwellers complained of gas leaks in parts of Dhaka last night, with some leaving their homes out of fear.

Contacted, Fire Service and Civil Defence Duty Officer Rafi Al Faruk said they received numerous complaints of gas leaks from across the capital.

Shuvojit Ghosh, in Green Road area, said residents of his building quickly descended from their flats after smelling gas.

Meanwhile, State Minister for the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid asked the city dwellers not to panic.

On his verified Facebook page, he told citizens not to be concerned about the complaints of gas leaks. "City dwellers are requested not to be panicked," he said.