Many Dhaka markets at risk: Fire Service
Fire Service and Civil Defense Dhaka Zone Chief Bazlur Rashid made the observation as he inspected the capital’s Gawsia market Thursday
A number of Dhaka markets are also at risk of fire accidents like what happened to Bangabazar on Tuesday, the rescue agency warned and called for mass awareness.
"Most of the shopping and kitchen markets in the capital do not comply with the fire service recommendations. Hence, they are at risk of accidents," Fire Service and Civil Defense Dhaka Zone Chief Bazlur Rashid said as he visited the capital's Gawsia market on Thursday.
Markets such as New Market, Mouchak Market, Thataribazar, Rajdhani Supermarket, and Chawkbazar are under higher risks, he added.
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"We have visited the crowded Gawsia market and found it risky as it does not have a firefighting team, fire hydrant, or smoke detector."
Bazlur Rashid, also an assistant deputy director of the fire service, said their visit to the market had no connection with the Bangabazar fire incident, rather it was a regular inspection. Officials from the National Security Intelligence were also present during the visit.
"When it comes to rescuing operations, the first and foremost need is sufficient water, but the water sources for the Gawsia market are not enough. We have found some fire extinguishers and only a source of reserve water," he added.
In response, Gawsia Market Shop Owners Association Convenor Md Kamrul Hasan Babu assured the authorities of fixing all the problems within two to three days.
Eid shopping is now going on in full swing. Hundreds of thousands of people are now visiting different Dhaka markets, including the risky ones, every day. Most shopkeepers and market owners, however, are not aware of fire.
Take the 70-year-old Mouchak Market for example. The Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha marked it risky long ago. Yet, there are no visible steps to renovate it or strengthen protective measures. People flock to the market for shopping.
"We have about 400 shops. We always advise shop owners to be aware of fire safety and keep necessary fire extinguishers," Sirajul Islam Chowdhury, president of the market traders association, told The Business Standard.
