We have now been assured by statements or silence of investigating authorities and committees, that the devastating fires at New Super Market, Bangabazar, Siddique Bazar, and Nawabpur were not insidious causes, as videos and eye witness accounts point to Dhaka South City dismantling a foot over bridge causing grief to electric lines at New Super Market that led to the blaze, possibly further exacerbated by mosquito repellent coils.
The fire service had their questions about the quality of cabling in the market thereby pointing the finger at the market builder and the Standard Testing authorities supposed to certify product quality. The Bangabazar fire, as that of Nawabpur, suggests something similar as the cabling there supported both electric connections as well as air conditioners. The fire service and Titas Gas haven't agreed whether it was captive gas that led to the Siddique Bazar disaster.
Siddique Bazar and the infamous FR Tower stand tall after all this time, the latter replete with an overhand that stretches across the road at the ground level. So much had been said about pulling the building down and those hugging each other on Kamal Ataturk Avenue. Lists of buildings, commercial and residential, non-compliant with approved RAJUK plans and fire safety measures were duly prepared, as was the case with risky markets in Dhaka.
Thereafter, silence descended.
Innumerable discussions were held about the lack of coordinated response by relevant authorities. As per ritual, enquiry committees were formed and a host of ministers promised action. Parliamentary committees were strangely silent and the focus was on supporting those impacted to get back on their feet. It's almost as if we're waiting for the next one to happen. It was one of many instances where those devastated or families of the dead were not sought out about their affairs of today.
This highlighted all that is wrong with either the agencies that should be sitting together on a regular basis. Titas Gas, RAJUK, and the Standards Testing Institution have unenviable reputations of inefficiency and corruption. Hiding behind manpower shortages is one of their favourite ploys and yet, in gleeful company of media, they too have their “special” disconnection and demolition drives. The Consumer Rights Directorate has run countless missions on fake and grossly adulterated product manufacturers. It usually ends with a fine but they too have been of late chased out of areas by businessmen
The late Mayors Mohammad Hanif and Sadek Hossain Khoka had pleaded with governments past for a city administration to follow a coordinated process. The powers, politicians, and businesses-that-be scuppered their efforts leaving everyone at square one. The division into two City Corporations gave rise to expectations that have been lukewarm in impact. That, along with bright but unplanned measures, have exacerbated matters.
The fires that ruined families thankfully didn't take too many lives. Had any of the incidents occurred during working hours and it would have been catastrophic. The City Corporations have to take a fair share of the blame. Their interest lies in the new construction that will commence at Bangabazar along with allocation of shop space. They don't have accountability for maintaining vestiges of the heritage of Bangabazar or the facilities of the structures built for modern markets.To the best of knowledge not a single government employee has been held accountable.
Perhaps it's time to empower the fire service and relevant departments with magisterial powers to penalize, shut down, and cancel operating licenses of businesses for non-compliance. Likewise, lack of follow up and inaction should result in legal and punitive action against office bearers. The state looks after the public servants well enough to the extent of turning a blind eye to many caprices. Those retired should no longer enjoy impunity either.
Mahmudur Rahman is a writer, columnist, broadcaster, and communications specialist.