Jatiya Oikya Front Convener, Dr Kamal Hossain, on Tuesday criticized the government for not taking any steps in compliance with a High Court order to make Old Dhaka safe, following the Nimtoli fire incident that claimed the lives of 124 people in 2010.
"After the Nimtoli fire incident nine years ago, the High Court ordered the government to take steps to make Old Dhaka safe for everyone. However, we never saw the government take any steps. We only witnessed its silence. Why is this irresponsibility there, even after such a court order?" he said.
Dr Kamal, also Gono Forum president, was speaking at a civic condolence meeting arranged by his party at the Jatiya Press Club in memory of those killed in the tragic Chawkbazar fire incident on Wednesday night.
He said the country wants answers to why such an incident took place which claimed so many innocent lives.
At least 69 people were killed and 39 others injured after a devastating fire broke out at a chemical warehouse and raged through several nearby buildings at Chawkbazar on Wednesday night.
On June 3, 2010, at least 124 people (117 on the spot, others later at hospitals) were killed in a devastating fire that originated in the Nimtoli area, following an electrical transformer explosion.
On June 10, 2010, the High Court asked the government probe committee to issue a rule asking the authorities to explain why they should not be directed to ensure safe and planned development of Old Dhaka and prevent the unauthorized setting up or use of buildings as warehouses and factories, and the unauthorized use of flammable or petroleum products.