Prime minister's political adviser HT Imam has observed that the authorities concerned have failed to take necessary steps to remove the storage of flammable chemicals from Chawkbazar area in old Dhaka, for which the fire has spread quickly.
The relevant authorities also failed to provide precise information regarding the storage of chemicals in the fire-engulfed Chawkbazar area, he said.
The tragic incident could have been avoided if the authorities would have discharged their duties properly, HT Imam said at a view-exchange meeting organised by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) in the city on Sunday.
He also emphasised finding influential persons who are responsible for storing chemicals in old Dhaka, putting the people's life in danger.
The government is now working to promote an environment conducive to trade and business in the country, he added.
HT Imam also observed that after relentless efforts of the government, the tannery industry has finally been relocated to Savar.
Earlier, the Buriganga river was polluted and now the Dharla river is under threat from the tannery waste, he said.
HT Imam called on the BBS to conduct a survey on chemical trading in old Dhaka in order to work out a plan of action to prevent such disasters in the future.
BBS has much more to do to contribute to the country's journey towards development, he added.
The Chawkbazar area is dotted with storage of illegal flammable chemicals, he said, adding that the BBS could help unveil how such substances were kept stored there.
Secretary of the statistics and informatics division Saurendra Nath Chakrabhartty chaired the event while additional secretary Krishna Gayan also spoke.
Md Dildar Hossain gave a PowerPoint presentation on the journey of the BBS.
The BBS has extended its activities to 64 districts of the country with more government support and guideline to meet the government's goal of becoming a developed country by 2041, said the speakers.
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