Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) has urged the government to form a committee for unbiased investigation into Chawkbazar fire, to ensure justice for victims of the disaster.
The call was made in a HRFB statement, read out by Nagorik Uddyog Executive Officer Zakir Hossain at a press conference held at Dhaka Reporters Unity on Sunday.
The rights body presented a list of short-term and long-term goals to help prevent further tragedies.
Among the short-term goals, HRFB recommended that a government committee be formed to investigate the deadly Chawkbazar fire, the delay in following the High Court order for removing factories from the Old Dhaka neighbourhood, and for bringing those responsible for the fire, to justice.
The recommendations also say the government compile a list of victims, ensure proper treatment for the injured, and compensate survivors and family members of the deceased. Survivors must get govt support for rehabilitation.
The city corporation is also recommended to revoke trade licenses of factories operating in Old Dhaka, and make a serious effort to remove factories and chemical warehouses from the neighbourhood.
The right body also recommended that fire suppression and prevention systems be made mandatory in all buildings throughout Dhaka, along with proper training on how to use those systems.
Among the long-term goals, HRFB recommended that inspection teams be formed in all neighborhoods, with support from ward councilors, to raise awareness against fire hazards. The fire prevention systems in Old Dhaka must be improved and regular fire drills should be conducted.
It is recommended the government offer factories and industries a designated place to shift their operations, just as tanneries in Hazaribagh were given the opportunity to shift to Savar.
The right body also recommended the cramped streets of Old Dhaka be expanded so that fire trucks can access buildings on fire. A long-term plan must be taken to remove all chemical warehouses from residential areas, and regulations must be enforced for regular retesting of CNG cylinders used in vehicles.
The HRFB also recommended that aquifers be built for fire suppression, and urged city corporation to deny industries the license for building factories and warehouses that utilized explosives substances.
What do the experts say?
Addressing the program, Hamida Hossain, an expert with the Human Rights Forum Bangladesh said: “Before going for factory and warehouse relocation process, the government must announce a schedule to ensure accountability and transparency.
She also urged that probe committee reports be sent to the different committees after completion.
Shaheen Anam, executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) said the Chawkbazar incident was caused by criminal negligence by the traders and authorities concerned.
Questioning why recommendations introduced after Nimtoli fire incident was not implemented as soon as possible, Shaheed said the time has come to hold people responsible regarding the issue accountable.
Association for Land Reform and Development (ALRD) Executive Director Shamsul Huda pointed out: “There is no chemical policy in the country. Besides, no industry census has been conducted and there is also no industry mapping as well.
“This issue is making the situation even more vulnerable," he said.
“We do not want to see the government engage in compromises. We want the government to launch a proper investigation of the incident. And ensure that no such disaster could take place in future.”
Shirin Akhter, chairman of Women with Disabilities Development Foundation (WDDF) urged the government to make full list of the injured victims, as the fire survivors need long-term treatment, and many of them could become disabled.
“It is often seen that after most of such disasters, the people who become disabled are forgotten by the authorities. The government must ensure a proper rehabilitation process for these victims,” she added.