Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Tajul Islam said that there is no alternative to following all laws properly in building infrastructure to prevent fire accidents. That is why an area should have adequate roads, reservoirs and open spaces.
He said that the population of this city and the facilities for them should be determined in order to build a livable Dhaka. Due to over population pressure and inadequate civic amenities, Dhaka city is declining day by day in the livability scale.
The minister said that people's awareness is also important to prevent fire accidents with proper coordination of government agencies. At this time, he said, if everyone fulfills their responsibility, we will be able to prevent fire accidents.
He said this while speaking as the chief guest at the Urban Dialogue on "Reason of Frequent Fire Accidents: What to do to prevent" organized by Urban Development Journalist Forum at National Press Club on Thursday. Chairman of Capital Development Authority (RAJUK) Anichur Rahman Mia was present as a special guest, Dhaka South City Corporation Chief Executive Officer Mizanur Rahman, Dhaka WASA Chief Engineer Kamrul Hasan, Director of Fire Service and Civil Defense Lt. Col. Tajul Islam Chowdhury were present as special guests. Dr Aktar Mahmud, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning Department of Jahangirnagar University. It was presided over by Amitosh Pal, President of Urban Development Journalists Forum and Sheikh Muhammad Mehdi Ahsan, General Secretary of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, presented the keynote speech.
The minister said that during the construction of a building or market, everyone from the architect to the engineer plans and constructs the infrastructure as experts. Fire hazard is inevitable if the infrastructure is not constructed following proper rules during construction.
He said that if the law is violated in the construction of any kind of infrastructure, the person who broke the law should be brought under the law. In that case, the engineer, architect or owner of the building whose negligence caused the fire should be brought under punishment, the minister said.
At this time, he emphasized on regular drills and training to prevent fire accidents.
The local government minister said that BSTI and other organizations should increase surveillance to ensure the quality of materials used in infrastructure construction, starting from electric cables, and market them while maintaining proper quality.
At this time, he emphasized on increasing public awareness to prevent fire accidents from cigarette fire. He called for building a social movement from the beginning to prevent fire accidents instead of regretting after the loss of life and property in the fire.
The main article presenter, Sheikh Muhammad Mehdi Ahsan emphasized on the detailed survey of all the buildings in Dhaka and building a digital information system. It is important to implement proper planning and use of buildings, reservoirs and land to prevent fire accidents.
