Once again, it is destruction and devastation that we must speak of; the latest explosion that broke out in a restaurant in the basement of the six-storey building in Gulistan's Siddikbazar area on Tuesday afternoon is just the latest in what has become a grotesque trend for the nation, in particular the capital city of Dhaka.
The explosion has so far claimed the lives of 21 people and injured over 100 people. More than ever before, this is screaming for the dire need for not just better infrastructure and construction in the city, but for more regard and attention paid so that any small incident does not magnify to claiming the lives of dozens of people.
Over the past few years, the city has witnessed a shocking rise of fires, explosions, and other such accidents, resulting in the loss of countless lives and properties. One of the main reasons for these is the inadequate infrastructure and construction standards in the city.
Many buildings in Dhaka are constructed without proper safety measures, such as fire exits, sprinkler systems, and smoke detectors. Moreover, it is the lack of proper maintenance of these buildings that only exacerbates the problem and brings about catastrophes such as the one we witnessed in Gulistan.
Our rapid growth has meant unchecked urbanization, leading to a mushrooming of buildings in recent years without proper supervision and inspection, leading to structural weaknesses and safety hazards. It is truly astonishing just how many buildings are at risk of collapsing in the event of a fire or earthquake, putting the lives of thousands of people in danger.
To prevent such incidents from happening in the future, the government must take immediate action to ensure that buildings in the city comply with proper safety standards. This includes ensuring that all new constructions follow strict guidelines and regulations, and that existing buildings undergo regular safety inspections and maintenance. Prioritizing the safety and well-being of the people must take precedence for all.
