BNP has demanded permanent accommodation for slum dwellers.

The party's Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir came up with the remark after visiting Mohakhali's Sat Tola slum where hundreds of shanties were gutted in a devastating fire yesterday.

"The government's first priority should be to arrange accommodation for them (slum dwellers)," he said, adding that the victims should also be provided with compensation.

A fair investigation should be done to unearth the reason behind the fire, the BNP leader said.

Fakhrul said the country has failed to ensure basic rights to the people even after 50 years of independence.

"The government is implementing mega projects but no effective step was taken for the ultra-poor (who live in slums). It is not a tough task. The government can allot khas land to them," he suggested.

BNP leader Tabith Awal also visited the spot and talked to the victims.

Tabith, who contested the last mayoral election from Dhaka North City Corporation, also promised to stand beside them.