Visiting the scene of a massive fire that gutted an Old Dhaka neighborhood, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said the government’s priority is to rehabilitate the victims.
He visited the scene of the deadly incident, at Chawkbazar, on Saturday around noon.
Speaking to the reporters, Quader said: “The government’s priorities are to ensure the victims are rehabilitated, provide proper healthcare to the injured, and lend support to the family members of the deceased.
“We are making a serious effort to remove all risky and illegal chemical warehouses—and factories—from Chawkbazar and the nearby areas. Those risky establishments will gradually be removed without compromise.”
Responding to query, Additional Secretary Akram Hossain from Ministry of Disaster Management said: “The decision to remove chemical and illegal establishments from Chawkbazar area will be finalized next Sunday.”
Illegal chemicals being removed from Wahed Mansion | Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka TribuneMeanwhile, concerned Dhaka South City Corporation officials have started a drive at Wahed Mansion, in Chawkbazar area, to remove illegal and risky chemical substances stored in the building.
At least 67 people were killed in a massive fire that ravaged several multi-storey buildings at Nanda Kumar Lane in the Churihatta area of Chawkbazar, Old Dhaka, on Wednesday night.
It took 37 fire-fighting units 15 hours to douse the flames.
