Authorities have ordered all operations at Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries in Bhatiari, Sitakunda, to remain suspended until test results arrive for gas samples sent to Dhaka. Entry into the accident-hit vessel has also been prohibited because officials say it is still unsafe. The order follows the deaths of nine workers after they were exposed to toxic gas while working inside a tank of an old ship on August 14.

Sitakunda Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fakhrul Islam said the sample was collected and sent to Dhaka, and the shipyard will remain closed until further instructions. Mo Fazle Rabbi, member secretary of the district administration’s investigation committee, said several committees and technical teams, including a high-level Industry Ministry committee, are investigating the incident.

Officials said the type of gas cannot be confirmed before the laboratory report is received, preventing any investigation committee from reaching a final conclusion. Investigators are examining the gas type, concentration and source, as well as whether the vessel was properly gas-freed and whether required worker safety measures were in place. Reopening depends on test results, expert guidance and required clearance.