Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor has asked the owners of high-rise buildings in the city to submit all documents relating to building safety and fire safety within 10 days. The prompt response of DNCC Mayor to the fire incident at Banani’s FR Tower is laudable. But we doubt that after some days when media focus would reduce, the activities would be shelved. It remains a big question — apart from the building owners; why the DNCC, RAJUK and other relevant authorities shouldn’t be responsible for inactivity in monitoring for violations of existing rules? Is it possible for building owners alone to construct buildings violating existing laws without support of these relevant organizations?
Mayor said, magistrates will conduct a drive and take legal action against those who fail to ensure fire and building safety measures. Another drive will be launched soon against illegal establishments. The DNCC chief said, they would show zero tolerance for illegal buildings. Such boldness we had observed several times, especially after a major accident, but the promises remain unfulfilled in the long run. Definitely, the fire incidents and casualties were the outcome of managerial incapacity, high corruption, perpetual greed and callousness
DNCC Mayor also said, the probe committee will submit its report within three working days, and take necessary action against the responsible persons. But in most cases, we see such warnings are hollowed roars. Corrupts remain untouched.
However, the Mayor has also emphasized the importance of RAJUK and City Corporation’s coordination to ensure that the buildings are safely constructed. We renew our hope that the Banani fire incident would open the authorities’ eyes to take action against building-code violators from owners’ side. In RAJUK and Fire Department offices, proper directions must be given to the building inspectors and fire inspectors to facilitate fire safety in construction. The capacity and strength of Fire Service should also be increased to ensure people’s safety.
