There is no alternative to following all laws in order to prevent fire incidents in infrastructures, Local Government and Rural Development Minister Md Tajul Islam has said.
For that, there should be sufficient roads, reservoirs, and open spaces in an area of the buildings, he said at an event organized at the National Press Club on Thursday.
“When a structure is built, everyone, including an architect, engineer, and experts works on it. If the building process is not maintained correctly, then there is always a chance of fire hazards,” the minister added.
“We have to bring the person who is responsible for the fire under the law, but in our country, we only jail the building owners,” he said.
The minister later put emphasis on focusing on the real reasons behind the fire incidents. “If there is a problem with the building's materials, then who is responsible for it? I believe we need laws for everything. If we have laws, we can enact them.”
Chairman of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartipakkha (Rajuk) Anisur Rahman Mia said: "Rajuk does not accept any plans except architectural ones now. But as per BMDC, the architectural plan, structural plan, fire safety plan, electrical plan, and plumbing plan all have to be submitted. We have decided, from June 1, all these will have to be submitted while submitting the plans of all the buildings.”
Fire Service and Civil Defence Director (Operation and Maintenance) Lt Col Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury said: “Carelessness is the main reason behind fire accidents. In our country, there is a rule to get NOC from the fire service for any building above six floors. But that is not being followed.”
“Shopping malls do not have adequate fire fighting systems. We should give importance to electrical matters as well. We are increasing fire risks by buying cheap electrical equipment,” he added.
