Safety teams led by Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) started inspecting multi-storied commercial buildings in the areas of Dhaka North and South City Corporations today.

Initially, 11 integrated inspection and monitoring teams were formed to inspect 1,072 buildings.

The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) is providing overall support for the smooth execution of inspection activities.

On the first day, the teams inspected Gulshan Pink City Shopping Complex in Dhaka North City Corporation and the Gausia Market in Dhaka South City Corporation.

Officials of the inspection team are seen during the inspection of the Gulshan Pink City Shopping Complex in Dhaka North City Corporation. Bangladesh Investment Development Authority is conducting the inspection with the help of other government agencies. Photo: DIFE

These inspection activities are being carried out through a new checklist containing 82 questions, according to a statement released by the DIFE today.

Md Nasir Uddin Ahmed, inspector general (IG) of DIFE, briefed the teams about inspection rules on the eve of the inspection at a meeting held at the Sromo Bhaban in Dhaka.

"To identify structural, electrical, fire safety and other defects of the establishments, the inspectors will inspect the multi-storied commercial building cordially and cooperatively with the establishments' authorities," Ahmed said.

"Further action will be taken based on the inspection report," the IG said in the statement.

The integrated teams include members from the DIFE, the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defense, the Department of Environment, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Architecture, and the Department of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited.

Also, the Department of Explosives, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited, Dhaka Power Distribution Company, and Dhaka North and South City Corporations are the team members.