Removal of Old Dhaka’s chemical factories demanded

Staff Correspondent: Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB), a platform of 20 rights and development organisations, has demanded quick removal of all factories and chemical warehouses from Old Dhaka, better treatment for the Chawkbazar fire victims and proper compensation for their families.

The organisation also demanded that trade licenses of the factories and warehouses be cancelled.

HRFB organised a press conference in this regard at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in the capital on Sunday.

The rights body presented a list of short-term and long-term goals to help prevent further tragedies.

Among the short-term goals, HRFB recommended that a government committee be formed to investigate the deadly Chawkbazar fire, the delay in following the High Court order for removing factories from the Old Dhaka neighbourhood, and for bringing those responsible for the fire, to justice.

The recommendations also say the government compile a list of victims, ensure proper treatment for the injured, and compensate survivors and family members of the deceased. Survivors must get govt support for rehabilitation.

The city corporation is also recommended to revoke trade licenses of factories operating in Old Dhaka, and make a serious effort to remove factories and chemical warehouses from the neighbourhood.

The right body also recommended that fire suppression and prevention systems be made mandatory in all buildings throughout Dhaka, along with proper training on how to use those systems.

Among the long-term goals, HRFB recommended that inspection teams be formed in all neighborhoods, with support from ward councilors, to raise awareness against fire hazards. The fire prevention systems in Old Dhaka must be improved and regular fire drills should be conducted.

It is recommended the government offer factories and industries a designated place to shift their operations, just as tanneries in Hazaribagh were given the opportunity to shift to Savar.

The right body also recommended the cramped streets of Old Dhaka be expanded so that fire trucks can access buildings on fire. A long-term plan must be taken to remove all chemical warehouses from residential areas, and regulations must be enforced for regular retesting of CNG cylinders used in vehicles.

The HRFB also recommended that aquifers be built for fire suppression, and urged city corporation to deny industries the license for building factories and warehouses that utilized explosives substances.

Mentionable, a devastating fire originated at Chawkbazar area in Old Dhaka around 10:30 pm on Wednesday (February 20), leaving 67 people dead and hundred others injured.


risingbd/Dhaka/Feb 24, 2019/Nasir/AI