In a report that is bound to shock very few but is startling nonetheless, a total of 24,102 fire incidents were reported across Bangladesh last year with at least 98 people being killed and 407 becoming wounded, according to the Bangladesh Fire Services and Civil Defense.
When it comes to the topic of ensuring fire safety, our country has had nothing short of a spotty reputation. For example, in the context of the Sitakunda fire last year -- one of the worst instances of an industrial fire in the history of our nation -- regulations clearly stated that hazardous chemicals can only be stored inside industrial compounds after proper safety mechanisms have been put in place, and the compound in question is far away from human habitats.
Such regulations were not upheld, far from it, the owners of the establishment had tried to shirk responsibility when it came to the fire. And that is, unfortunately, what lies at the heart of most of our fire incidents: Lack of accountability.
We cannot keep playing fast and loose with fire safety, the notion of building code exists for a reason, and yet far too many structures are seen lacking basic safety regulations such as fire escapes, working stationed fire extinguishers in every floor, and much more.
The authorities need to do better in enforcing these rules.
Corruption, expectedly, is yet another factor that gets in the way of structures and establishments following code. It is much easier and cheaper for unscrupulous building owners to grease palms and get investigators to look the other way than to take the necessary safety measures.
If we want to nip our fire incidents in the bud, the government needs to do something, and it needs to do something now. We cannot keep waiting for the flames to die out by themselves.