We are only two weeks away from bidding the year 2022 goodbye, but not before we see at least two more fires wreak havoc in our country.
On Tuesday a fire that broke out in a television showroom in Jamalpur and another in Sitakunda's BM Depot -- the same depot that witnessed one of the biggest industrial fires earlier this year -- might not have been big enough to grab headlines, but remain a startling reminder of just how unhealthy our relationship with fire remains.
While the fires did not manage to cause any human harm, the fact that a fire could break out so easily and under the very noses of the owners of these establishments is all but a scathing indictment of just how fast and loose we are with fire safety regulations, and indeed safety codes in general.
For example, in the context of the Sitakunda fire earlier this year, regulations clearly state that hazardous chemicals can only be stored inside industrial compounds after proper safety mechanisms have been put in place, and the compound in question is far away from human habitats. Such regulations were not upheld, far from it, the owners of the establishment had tried to shirk responsibility when it came to the fire.
With the coming year fast approaching, we need to remind ourselves that such fires cannot be the norm for us going forward. From industrial fires caused by a severe disregard for regulation to acts of arson that end up razing entire slums to the ground, we need to recognize that this is a problem and take appropriate measures to avoid them. Which is a responsibility that not only lies on our industrialists but our government as well.
We cannot afford to be callous or ignorant when it comes to the issue of safety and security anymore.
