Ever since the 2010 Nimtoli tragedy that claimed 123 lives, the authorities concerned have been promising they would take effective measures to put an end to such incidents. Their pledge remained in black and white, with the latest tragic fire incident in Old Dhaka surfacing as a perfect example of their "paper-only pledges."
The inhabitants of old town expressing anger over the "inaction" from the government in relocating establishments housing risky businesses and restricting the trade of chemical and inflammable goods in the area, called for immediate measures to resolve the issue.
Visiting the accident spot at Churiahatta in Chawkbazar, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman Kazi Reazul Hoque, termed the Chawkbazar tragedy the third biggest of its kind in Bangladesh.
The government cannot avoid responsibility for the incident and it must find the reason for the incident, giving a speedy solution, he observed.
Local people said the intersection remains busy as it links four major roads leading to the main city, lined with chemical warehouses, stores, and sales outlets, mostly involved in selling and storing hazardous chemicals.
Whenever an incident occurs, the concerned authorities try to substantiate that they are initiating effective measures in the matter.
Saiful Islam Sony, a local, said the traffic congestion is a major problem and there is a long cherished demand to solve it. Initiatives have apparently been underway for quite some time to address the issue, but in vain.
“Traffic congestion at the point usually sees a gathering of at least 200 people either stuck or crossing it on foot,” he said.
Mohammad Mamun, who also witnessed the devastating blaze, said they began throwing water at three shops opposite Wahid Manzil where the fire originated, to stop it spreading to adjoining shops and establishments.
Another local resident, requesting anonymity, said the fire engulfed Haider Baksh and Ajgar lanes, and at least 50 shops and several residential buildings could have been damaged.
Reason for spread of fire
The main reason for the fire to spread fast is the explosion of a gas cylinder when it was being unloaded from a pick up van. Within moments, the raging fire spread to a nearby building and different burning substances started falling on vehicles and commuters. People present there could not flee to adjacent lanes as they were caught stranded due to traffic congestion.
“There are five lanes adjacent to the place where the gas cylinder exploded but congestion did not allow anybody to escape the spot. If the lane had been free of grid lock, people could have had the chance to escape and many lives might have been saved.”
They heard of measures to relocate the chemical warehouses and stores from the area, but it remains at a preparation stage and yet another incident has occurred due to the negligence of the authorities responsible for people’s safety.
Local residents said
Mohammad Mamun said that for a long time mosque committee members would discuss the issue and finally they were to sit for a meeting after Friday prayers.
“But before that the accident has already taken place and all preparations went in vain.”
Owner of a tailoring shop, Mohammad Habib, said there were a pharmacy and two body spray manufacturing factories beside his shop. Fire from these shops spread to his shop.
“Had these shops been relocated, my shop could have been saved and I might not have had to incur a Tk15 lakh loss,” he lamented.
“The authorities concerned have repeatedly been promising to relocate the shops, but nothing is visible,” Habib said.
Homeowner Syed Aslam, said a mosque, community centre, residential buildings and eateries in the area, all make it a congested place.
“If the fire had spread further, it would have gutted some 900 plastic particle shops located in the adjacent lane just a 100 meters from the incident spot,” Aslam said.
“How can both residential and business establishments be there in the same area?,” he questioned.
Abdur Rahman, member of the Churihatta Mosque committee, said they had earlier planned to discuss the issue of traffic gridlock in the area.
“But before it could be done, the tragic incident took place,” said Rahman, adding, they will still hold a meeting on the matter.
Measures underway
DNCC Mayor Sayeed Khokon said they have already brought the matter into account and a drive against such establishments will be carried out against warehouses and factories selling hazardous chemicals in Old Dhaka, starting this week.
“We sat with the FBCCI leaders, firefighters, and chemical traders in this regard on February 10. Our first drive was conducted on Monday to evict chemical warehouses from the area,” he said.
No such warehouses will be allowed to be set up in the area, the mayor warned.
But small shops or showrooms of chemical products can operate, he said.