Action will be taken against anyone who is found responsible for the massive fire in Dhaka's Bangabazar on Tuesday, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said.
“If any person or group is involved behind the horrible fire incident, legal action will be taken against them,” he made the remarks in a statement issued on Friday.
“It can be observed from the past that the BNP has chosen the path of terrorism and destruction with an aim to cause harm to the public after failing in their protests programs several times,” the statement reads.
Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader also noted: “The horrific fire accident in Bangabazar has shocked the people of the country. The flames of the merciless fire have burnt the bright dreams of businessmen and employees to ashes. People from different classes and professions of society have stood by the victims. Everyone is trying to help them as much as possible.”
“But even such a terrible incident could not shake the sentiments of BNP. Blinded by the lust for power, BNP's senses have become dull. Rather than supporting the victims, the BNP leaders are resorting to traditional political tactics and making provocative statements about the tragedy.” adds the minister.
The senior Awami League leader also talked about the probe body that was formed over the fire incident in the statement.
“They (probe body) will investigate the cause of the fire as well as prepare a list of the victims to assess the extent of the damage. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given instructions for an impartial investigation as soon as possible,” he said.
On Thursday, Obaidul Quader said the government is looking into whether the opposition BNP was involved in the massive fire.
“We are investigating whether or not BNP had any involvement in the Bangabazar fire, given that their movements have been unsuccessful,” said the senior leader at a program in Dhaka's Azimpur.
Even during Ramadan, the BNP is making the people suffer by blocking roads just like they did in the past, said Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges minister.
At least 48 units of the fire service, along with support teams from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, worked tirelessly to control the fire that broke out in Bangabazar around 6am on Tuesday.
The fire had spread to the opposite side of the road, causing a shortage of water and hindering the firefighters' efforts. Businesses in the market were affected severely, with many traders losing everything.
