Bangladesh incurred a loss of about Taka 250.00 billion due to fire incidents across the country in the last five years, says the Electronic Safety and Security Association of Bangladesh (ESSAB), reports BSS.
Citing the data of the Bangladesh Fire Service & Civil Defence, ESSAB president Motahar Hossain Khan said a total of 19,642 fire incidents took place in the country in 2018, causing an economic loss of Taka 3.86 billion, killing 130 people and injuring 664 more.
"Houses, shops, offices and other establishments are being gutted in towns, including the capital and divisional cities, and even in villages across the country. The loss caused by fires could be minimised after identifying the causes behind the infernos and taking awareness measures," he told a press conference in the city on Sunday.
ESSAB organised the press conference at the Jatiya Press Club aiming to present the features of the sixth International Fire Safety and Security Expo-2019 to be held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city from February 14 to 16.
Motahar said fire safety is ensured in the export-oriented industries due to the pressure of buyers, but many private buildings are yet to ensure fire safety.
Noting that the construction of high rise buildings in the capital increased by 514 per cent in the last 10 years, he said what measures have been taken for fire extinguishing in these buildings is questionable.
The ESSAB president urged the authorities concerned to take adequate measures to ensure fire safety measures in all buildings to protect properties and maintain security.
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
