I
I am distraught to learn the horrific tale of Chawkbazar. Such horrific tragic incidents take place in our country now and then. How much are we ready to take lessons from such incidents?
In 2010, the horrific incident of Nimtoli originated from the blast of an electronic transformer and then its flame spread through chemical warehouses in and around the place of Nimtoli. The concerned authority assured to take steps to remove flammable chemical storages from the residential area but the assurance still remains illusive.
Why didn't the authorities concerned take an immediate action to transfer warehouses when the situation was leading to a devastating tragedy like Nimtoli? Due to such gross negligence, tragic incidents repeatedly take place in our country. It seems we have to endlessly witness such tragic incidents unless meaningful steps are taken.
Only assurance of the authorities is not the solution. Implementation of actions would help people avoid such horrific tragedies. The warehouses need to be removed to a safer zone immediately.
Abul Khaer
Department of Zoology
Government Saadat College, Tangail
akhaer234@gmail.com
II
A fire broke out at a building in the city's Chawkbazar area on February 20 when the nation was preparing to observe the International Mother Language Day. The devastating fire took lives of at least 67 people. This incident reminds us once again of the Nimtoli tragedy of 2010 in which at least 120 were burnt to death.
Narrow roads of Old Dhaka prove to be an impediment during the emergency with regard to rescue activities by the Fire Service and Civil Defence and others.
Many think the chemical warehouse was full of inflammatory substances. It was the cause for the fire to spread quickly and rise of the death toll.
We must not forget that little carelessness can be the cause of a fatal accident and our own lives can be in danger. A stitch in time saves nine -- we should remember this time-tested proverb and implement it in our real life.
The family of the victims and the injured should be compensated and the latter should get proper and free treatment. All dangerous chemical warehouses should be relocated to safer places. It is high time we obeyed safety rules so that such incidents could be avoided.
Asif Khaled
Sutrapur, Dhaka
III
Dhaka city has unauthorised chemical manufacturers on the sides of the congested streets in Old Dhaka. The recent Chawkbazar fire tragedy took lives of at least 67 people and left many critically injured.
We start dealing with our problems only after a catastrophe takes place. Our city still has many problems. Dhaka city has been grappling with bad traffic and ruthless driving for years. But until some students died nobody cared.
Now the government can take some steps before another major accident happens.
Md Emon Bhuiyan
East West University
emon.prof@gmail.com