Storing hazardous chemicals in residential buildings

THERE are alarming reports that hazardous chemicals are being openly sold in old Dhaka. Highly flammable chemicals are stored and handled carelessly that may lead to fatal accidents any time. Memory of the heart-wrenching fire at Nimtoli in 2010 which took away 124 lives is still fresh in our minds. But we are yet to learn our lessons though the tragedy had drawn the attention of international media. The fateful accident at Nimtoli occurred on June 3, 2010. The fire originated from electric transformers and grabbed the chemicals and other flammable products stored in neighbouring shops. Those who lost their near and dear ones are yet to recover from the shock. It is a common phenomenon in old Dhaka that flammable chemicals are stored on the ground floor of many residential buildings. I hope the authority will take necessary steps in this regard so that similar incidents can be avoided in future.

Asif Khaled
Sutrapur, Dhaka