Lack of close monitoring is being regarded as the prime reason behind the massive fire that broke out at Dhaka's Chawakbazar area on Thursday, which claimed the lives of 67 people.
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader made the remark while addressing the press during his visit to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital to see the victims of the Chawkbazar fire incident around 11am on Friday.
He said: "Lack of close monitoring at old Dhaka chemical factories and storehouses is the main reason behind this incident.
“After the Nimtoli incident in 2010, the government had evacuated some of chemical factories and storehouses from the area," he said. "But these businessmen are always coming back, re-establishing the factories which contain highly flammable materials thus risking the lives of thousands.”
"Despite the hundreds of lives lost in the Nimtoli incident, we did not take any lessons from it.
"Honourable prime minister has instructed Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) to immediately relocate the chemical factories and warehouses operating here," he added.
When asked about any particular deadlines regarding the relocation process, Quader said: "We are yet to set a deadline for the relocation of all kinds of chemical shops and warehouses from this densely populated area. But it will happen soon. "
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Compensating victims
When asked about the compensation program regarding the Chawkbazar fire victims, Quader, also the road transport and bridges ministersaid: "No amount of money can bring back the ones who have lost their lives in this deadly incident.
"However, considering the humanitarian aspect of the whole situation and also to provide some financial help to the family members of the victims, the government has taken all necessary steps."
Request to the visitors
The Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) authority has requested the visitors gathering in numbers to see the Chawkbazar fire victims in the hospital to stay away from the patients in order to prevent further infection and contamination.
Dr Samanta Lal Sen, chief national coordinator for the DMCH burn unit said: "We request everyone to not disturb the patients receiving treatment in the ICU. They are in a very critical state. We are using everything at our disposal to save them.
"Infection is one of the primary causes of death in this hospital. Visitors will be allowed except specific visiting hours," he added.
"The condition of the nine patients admitted here is very critical. We have shifted five patients to intensive care unit (ICU). We could not accommodate the others as we do not have any space left," Dr Samanta furthered.
"It is very hard to conclusively say anything about burn patients. We have to monitor them for at least for 48 hours. None of these patients are out of risk," he further added.
