I
Modern fire preventive instruments have been a lingering concern for the citizens of Dhaka for decades as many high-rise buildings do not have these. The hazardous issues facing Dhaka now-a-days in regards to fire accidents are congested roads, closely-packed structures, narrow lanes and a general lack of awareness of fire hazards. These factors are causing more deaths and injuries during fire incidents.
Over the years, we have seen many deaths in the fire incidents at the NTV building, Bashundhara City Shopping Mall, Tazreen Fashion, Nimtali, Chawkbazar and recently Banani FR Tower.
After each incident, the fire-fighters came to douse the fire with sincerity and all resources available to them. But they do not have modern fire-fighting equipment.
The Banani FR Tower was a 23-storey structure. The ladder brought by the fire-fighters reached only up to 15th floor. Many victims tried their best to survive and the fire-fighters were also sincere at helping them.
The government deployed air, army and naval forces to aid the rescue operation.
It is true that the capacity of fire-fighters have been enhanced drastically in recent years. But this is still not up-to-the-mark.
Citizen's awareness about fire safety is one of the most vital factors that can reduce the number of fire incidents. At the same time, modern fire safety equipment can reduce the casualties and death toll.
I would like to urge the government to provide all the modern fire preventive equipment to Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence so that it can dedicate all-out efforts to save victims of fire incidents in the near future.
Md Zillur Rahaman
Satish Sarker Road
Gandaria, Dhaka
II
The fire that broke out at Banani FR Tower killed 26 people. Many were trapped inside the building since the emergency exit was shut. The deadly fire started from the seventh floor and spread rapidly to the floors above.
It is said that the fire started from a short-circuit incident. But once the fire began, it spread pretty fast through the building. People on the floors before the seventh floor managed to escape. Those on the top floors rushed upstairs for their lives as smoke engulfed the whole building making it difficult to breathe. As the heat became unbearable, most people tried to scale down the building. In the process, some slipped and fell to their deaths on the concrete road.
At least 21 units of the fire brigade worked together to douse the fire and save those who were trapped.
Despite their limited capacity, the fire brigade has done a commendable job. The fire-fighting team did not have proper equipment required to save the victims. If they had taller ladders and state-of-the-art equipment, more people could have been saved. Most people gathered near the building were blocking the road.
It was published in the media that the builders violated building code. RAJUK could have taken tougher actions against the owner. Moreover, there was no useable exit for the victims. Safe fire-fighting equipment was also not available in the building. The owners of the building were arrested recently by the police.
Government organisations should carry out safety drives against owners of illegal structures and violators of building code.
The capacity of the fire service and civil defence should be enhanced. More fire-fighters and fire-fighting equipment should be procured. As Dhaka and other cities are at high risk of fire incidents, satellite offices of the fire-fighting department can be opened in different residential and commercial areas.
Mohammad Zonaed Emran
MNC Banking Unit, MITS
Mutual Trust Bank Limited
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