Kamal slams govt for loss of lives in Chawkbazar fire

Jatiya Oikya Front convener Kamal Hossain on Tuesday criticised the government for not taking any step in compliance with a High Court order to make the old quarter of the capital safe for people after the Nimtoli fire incident that had claimed lives of 124 people in 2010, reports UNB.

“After the Nimtoli fire incident nine years ago, the High Court ordered the government to take steps to make the Old Dhaka safe for people. However, we never saw the government to take any step. We only witnessed its silence. Why is this irresponsibility even after such a court order?” he said.

Kamal, also Gano Forum president was speaking at a civic condolence meeting organised by his party at the National Press Club in memory of those killed in Chawkbazar fire on 20 February.

He said the country's 160 million people want answer why such a fire incident took place and why so many innocent people had to lose their lives without committing any crime.

At least 69 people were killed and 39 others injured after a devastating fire broke out at a chemical warehouse and raged through several nearby tenements at Chawkbazar of Dhaka on 20 February.

On 3 June 2010, at least 124 people, including 117 on the spot, were killed in a devastating fire that originated in the Nimtoli area in an electrical transformer explosion.

On 10 June that year, the High Court issued a rule asking the authorities to explain as to why they should not be directed to ensure safe and planned development of Old Dhaka and prevent the unauthorised setting up or use of buildings as warehouses and factories and use of flammable or petroleum products.