Yet again we are surrounded by a hellish fire incident that broke out in Rupnagar slum in the city's Mirpur area on Wednesday morning, destroyed at least 200 shanties, leaving hundreds of its residents homeless. This is indeed a clarion call for the government and city-planners to undertake a major overhaul of our existing housing policy, especially with regard to the expansion of slums known for their decrepit, closely packed housing units. The government must make its housing policy more reflective of the dangers of such unplanned urbanization as we cannot afford to be callous or ignorant when it comes to the issue of safety and sec
Authorities concerned need to come up with a plan
to inspect the conditions of different slums and
ensure that a repeat of this incident does not occur
In a city like Dhaka, one that is undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization, the need for fire safety increases alongside its progress. But the frequent fire incidents that are talking place in capital Dhaka show how the lack of safety measures is putting people’s lives at risk. Such fires occurring at the city's slums just go to show our lack of awareness, among other things, and the time it takes for the fire service to douse the fire brings to the fore how ill-prepared the authorities are in handling such incidents.
The slum was home to mostly low-wage earners, including garment workers, rickshaw-pullers, housemaids and day labourers. Their loss of homes meant that they are now headed into an uncertain future and many families, stripped of all their belongings and despite the temporary shelter offered by the government, might end up living on the streets. Measures should be taken so that they are rehabilitated properly. Also authorities concerned need to come up with a plan to inspect the conditions of different slums and ensure that a repeat of this incident does not occur.
