We do not want any repetition of fire incidents: NHRC chair

We do not want any repetition of fire incidents: NHRC chair

Dhaka, March 01 - National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman Dr Kamal Uddin Ahmed expressed deep concern over the deaths and damages of the devastating fire that tore through a commercial building in the capital’s Bailey Road on Thursday night.

"We are deeply saddened by the fire incident and do not want any repetition of this incident", he said.

The NHRC Chairman came up with these remarks while visiting the scene of fire at Bailey Road at 4 pm on Friday.

"Most of the buildings in Bangladesh do not have fire prevention system. Even after knowing the fire hazards, safety measures are not taken day after day in the buildings."

There was definitely ignorance, negligence behind this fire, he observed.

Later, the NHRC chairman visited the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute where he inquired about the patients affected by the fire.

Secretary of the commission Sebastian Rema, Deputy Director Sushmita Paik were present at this time.

"After such major accidents, we see that the discussion and criticism continue for a few days but it stops again, he added.

Unfortunately, we are not aware of these issues and effective measures are not being taken. It is repeated again and again that the responsible authorities never do proper monitoring. We often see such incidents being investigated, and reports submitted. But no action is taken according to the report, the NHRC chairman said.

"We don't want a repetition. By ensuring exemplary punishment of those who cause such fires through negligence, recurrence of such incidents can be prevented," he said.

At least 46 people have so far reportedly been confirmed dead in the fire accident and dozens of people have been struggling for lives at hospitals’ beds.

The blaze broke out at a seven-storey building in Dhaka’s Bailey Road on Thursday night.-UNB