No matter whether the recent fire incidents in different markets of Dhaka and elsewhere were acts of sabotage or were caused by negligence, owners of the markets that have been declared at risk have started taking safety measures to avert a possible catastrophe.
The Fire Service and Civil Defence have released a list of 58 “extremely risky” and “risky” supermarkets and shopping malls in the Dhaka metropolitan area. Of these, nine markets, including Gausia, frequented by thousands of customers every day, have been declared as “extremely risky”.
Earlier this week, Fire Service officials held discussions with market owners and businessmen of Dhaka city for two consecutive days on raising awareness and to reduce the risk of fire. The Fire Service thinks that coordinated efforts are needed to increase fire safety at markets and shopping malls.
Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka TribuneOn April 6, a Fire Service delegation accompanied by officials of intelligence agencies visited Gausia Market in the capital's Mirpur Road after the terrible fire incident in Bangabazar. They declared the market “extremely risky” and gave some instructions to improve the situation.
Asked what precautionary measures have been taken by the market authorities in this regard, Rafiqul Islam, the leader of the market traders and traders' association, said: “We are always cautious. Several steps have been taken. We will discuss the major constraints with the Fire Service and implement them as soon as possible.”
Lighting at the shops has been reduced and security measures enhanced in the initial stage. Moreover, firefighting equipment like fire extinguishers and buckets of sand and water are kept on every floor.
Security guards have been trained in advance on how to operate fire extinguishers. There is already a reserve water tank. However, the Fire Service has asked for one more tank, he said. “This market is very old. Now modern buildings are burnt down if there is a fire.”
Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka TribuneReferring to the fires in various markets, he said these fires seem to be acts of sabotage ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr when sales increase manifold and many markets are open till midnight.
“For this reason, the Gausia Market authorities have strengthened security measures. The number of security guards has increased. Special security measures have been taken so that no one can enter the market at night. If they suspect anyone, the person has to be handed over to the police station,” Rafiqul said.
After the inspection on April 8, the Fire Service declared the Barisal Plaza in Fulbaria as “extremely risky”.
Asked whether the market authorities had taken any measures, Manager Mustafa Kamal said they were given time till May 20 to fulfil some conditions. “We are taking steps as per their directives. The steps that need to be taken at the initial stage have been taken. The rest will be taken up later,” he said.
The Fire Service inspection team visited Tikatuli's Rajdhani and New Rajdhani Super Market on April 9 and these markets were declared “extremely risky” too. Later, several instructions were given to the market authorities.
Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka TribuneFaznun Haque Biplab, convener of the market's business association, said: “We have asked all to keep fire extinguishers in every shop and banned smoking inside the market completely.
“As per instructions of the Fire Service, we have constructed a new water reserve tank where around 250,000 litres of water can be stored. We will take more steps after Eid.”
