Business leaders and residents in the capital's Banani have resolved to implement fire safety measures at buildings in the locality.
At least 26 people were killed and about 50 people injured in a fire that ravaged a high-rise office bloc in Banani on Thursday.
Representatives of businesspersons' forum DNCC Banani Super Market-cum-Housing Complex Business Cooperative Society and residents' organistaion Banani Society said that a committee comprising members of the city corporation, administration, local societal organisations, different government offices, local government officials and experts will be formed to examine fire safety measures at all buildings.
"Whatever happened in the past is in the past. Instead of looking back, we will ensure that all safety measures, including those to combat fire, are implemented in the new buildings. Safety protocols will be re-arranged at the old buildings, which lack up-to-date safety measures," said Mahmud Hassan Azad, the general secretary of Banani Supermarket business owners' organisation.
Apart from modernising the management of utilities such as water, electricity and gas, an integrated management system must also be developed, he added.
According to the fire service, the 23-floor FR Tower lacked a proper fire safety management system. There were also allegations that the high-rise was constructed in violation of the building code.
In light of this, Banani Society leaders have agreed to work on implementing proper safety measures at buildings in the area, said Mahmud.
“The new committee will inspect different buildings every 15 days and report on its safety management system,” he said.
“Strong measures will be taken against those who fail to implement the recommendations in the report. We are currently considering such an option.”
Shamsudding Bahar, the joint secretary of Banani Society, said the organisation will take every possible measure to avoid a repeat of the fatal fire in FR Tower.
