Dhaka  - Two powerful blasts ripped through a hotel in central Dhaka, leaving nearly 50 people injured and spreading panic in the district, rescuers and witnesses said Monday.

Firefighters who doused the flames blamed the explosions on faulty gas cylinders used in the kitchen.

"Experts are examining the debris from the blast to find out the origin of the explosion," Dhaka Police Commissioner Naim Ahmed said.

The twin blasts occurred amid moves by the military-backed interim government to relax a state of emergency imposed in January 2007 during political unrest.

The injured included a Sri Lankan national reportedly staying at the hotel. (dpa)