Amidst the charred remains of yet another tragic fire incident, Bangladesh finds itself engulfed in a relentless battle against escalating infernos. On Sunday, at 3:30 am, a fire broke out at Puratan Bazar, also known as Kacha Bazar, beside Gausia Market in Bhulta Union of Rupganj upazila in Narayanganj. Numerous shops were engulfed in flames, leaving their owners devastated by the loss just weeks before Eid. Once again, accusations and finger-pointing will take place, but one harsh reality remains undeniable: lives have been lost, families torn apart, businesses incurring losses, and a community in distress. The haunting echoes of past tragedies like the Bailey Road disaster, Zam Zam Tower tragedy or the deadly blaze at S Alam Sugar Mill's warehouse in Karnaphuli for 67 hours reverberate as the nation grapples with a staggering surge in fire incidents.
In the aftermath of these fire tragedies, accusations have been hurled in every direction. Businesses stand accused of neglecting proper fire management systems, placing profits over the safety of employees and customers. Civilians blame government. While government drives have been launched in response to public outcry and tragedy, their effectiveness remains questionable. Experts decry the lack of a comprehensive strategy, citing sporadic efforts that quickly dissipate once initial outrage subsides.
One big problem is that officials do not always do their jobs properly. Sometimes they are scared to take action against these big businesses. And some powerful people who own buildings can make things difficult for inspectors.
The reality of the situation is a broken system, rife with loopholes and lacking oversights, where safety takes a back seat to economic interests. It is a vicious cycle where accountability is elusive, and tragedies like these become inevitable. As the death toll rises and the smoke clears, questions linger in the air, demanding answers. Who truly bears the responsibility for these preventable disasters? Is it the business authorities who prioritise profit margins over safety measures? Is it the business owners who neglect to invest in proper fire management systems? Or is it the regulatory bodies like Rajuk, who fail to enforce regulations effectively? Perhaps the blame lies not with any single entity. It is with the collective failure of the system as a whole that needs addressing.
Nazifa Sadeq
Student of the Department of
Accounting & Finance
North South University
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
