A case has been filed over the fire at the multi-storey FR Tower commercial building in Dhaka’s Banani.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Asaduzzaman Mia revealed the case had been filed, but did not mention who had been named the plaintiff in the case, nor what the charges were.
He made the remarks at an event on raising awareness on drugs and traffic laws at Old Dhaka’s Chawkbazar on Friday afternoon.
“A case has been filed over the incident. We are investigating it and will take the necessary measures against those responsible.”
At least 26 people were killed and 50 people were injured in the blaze on Thursday.
Police chief Mohammad Javed Patwary had said on Friday that law enforcers were looking to make one of the victims the plaintiff in the case.
“If the family of any person killed files a case, the government will support them. If none of them agree to do so, the state will act as the plaintiff. We will see what sections of the law the case can be filed under.”
Asked about the lack of fire safety measures in the building and its violation of the blueprints submitted for government approval, Housing Minister SM Rezaul Karim described the incident as ‘murder’ instead of an ‘accident’.
DMP Gulshan Division Deputy Commissioner Mustaq Ahmed told bdnews24.com that additional details on the case would be released at a later time.
SMHI Faruque, an engineer, owns the land on which the 23-storey building was constructed by Rupayan Housing Estate Limited.
They sold the floors to different organisations. Tasvir Ul Islam, the managing director of Quasem Industries, heads a panel of owners that manages the building now.
Another fire broke out at the makeshift market next to the DNCC Market in Gulshan-1 on Saturday. A fire at Old Dhaka’s Chawkbazar had led to the deaths of 70 people two months ago.
The DMP Commissioner blamed builders and building management ignoring regulations for the fire.
“No one follows the building code,” he said.
He called upon them to follow the regulations during construction and provide the necessary safety materials for city residents.
