It is murder, not an accident: Minister

Public Works and Housing Minister SM Rezaul Karim today termed the deaths of Banani FR Tower fire victims as “murders”.

“We clearly want to say that those who died in the fire incident were not the victims of any accident. Rather, they were murdered,” the minister told reporters after visiting the site this morning.   

The deaths of the fire victims have been termed as murders as they died due to the negligence of building owner, developer and others who were involved with the construction of the building, said the minister.

If they are found guilty in probe, a criminal case will be filed against them, the minister said.  

“Housing and Public works ministry, City corporation and other ministries are investing the fire incident, he said adding, “We will make the report public. No reports will be concealed.”

Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain visits the fire affected FR Tower in Dhaka’s Banani on Friday, March 29, 2019. Photo: Prabir Das/Star

Meanwhile, Gono Forum President and Jatiya Oikyafront leader Dr Kamal Hossain visited the spot today and told reporters that the government should carry out proper investigation to identify the responsible persons.   

Dhaka North City Corporation's (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul Islam also visited the spot.

At least 25 people were killed and around 100 others injured yesterday as a devastating fire tore through the 22-storey FR Tower in the capital's Banani area.

The incident took place a little over a month after a fire killed at least 70 people in Old Dhaka's Chawkbazar area.