Poribesh Bachao Andolon (Poba) has called for ensuring justice to the victims of the devastating Chawkbazar fire incident.
The environment watchdog also urged the government to take action against the people who are responsible for the deady fire that broke out in city’s Old Dhaka on February 20.
The voluntary social organization came up with reaction and recommendation on the fire at a press conference in Dhaka on Sunday.
Poba Chairman Abu Naser Khan said: “The people who are mainly responsible for the incident are politically powerful. The local administration did not take any action regarding the illegal chemical warehouses. Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) authority need to take responsibility for this situation.
Abu Naser Khan further said: “Those who are actually responsible for this disaster will have to pay compensation for the families of each of the Chawkbazar fire victims. The DSCC authorities also have to remove chemical warehouses from old Dhaka.”
Poba General Secretary Engineer Abdus Sobhan said: “The narrow streets and water crisis in the Old Dhaka were the major barriers for the firefighters while dousing the fire at the chemical warehouses. Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence authorities have to bring specialized equipment for this area.”
Professor Muhibur Rahman, a chemical specialist, said: “A vested quarter wants to hide the real reason behind this incident. They are giving opinions regarding the cause of the fire for their own interests and benefits. We have to be very careful about it.”
“The media played an important role after the incident. People have faith over the media so they have to find out the real reason of these types of man-made disasters,” he added.
A number of recommendations were placed during the press conference including identifying and banning the illegal chemical warehouses, specific policy regarding chemical storage should to be introduced.
The recommendations also include ensuring of safeties to the people who are working in the chemical industry and also ensuring that people in Old Dhaka are abiding building codes.
