Chawkbazar fire: Social bodies blame govt

A group of social activists today blamed the government for the fire at Chawkbazar that killed 70 people on February 20.

They said, the victims were “murdered” due to the “negligence and inaction” of the authorities.

Led by Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan (Bapa), 20 social groups rallied near Jatiya Press Club demanding implementation of the 17-point recommendations that came after Nimtoli fire.

The government will have to take initiative to prevent all kinds of housing disasters in residential areas of the capital, they said.

They also stressed the need for establishing of a “Compliance Commission” for ensuring housing or slums free from risks.

“Six of the Nimtoli recommendations were on banning on importing, hoarding and use of 29 most dangerous chemicals in residential areas,” said Iqbal Habib, joint secretary of Bapa.

Keeping residential areas free from electrical hazards, setting up fire hydrants, building awareness and preparing volunteers to ensure public safety are other important recommendations, said Iqbal who read out the keynote speech.

“We had to witness Chawkbazar tragedy because no recommendations were implemented after the Nimtali fire,” said Nazim Uddin, a resident of old Dhaka.