Naturally, the question has arisen among the public as to why so many fire incidents have taken place within such a short period of time. The possibility of sabotage, as suspected by some quarters, cannot be ruled out entirely.
Of the 10 or so fire incidents that take place daily in Dhaka city (as per Fire Service data), only a few turn dangerous or massive and hit the news. Such has been the Bangabazar complex fire of April 4.
There is no denying, by any parties, that this complex was at risk of such a fire. Now, who’s to be held responsible for the oversight in not preventing the Bangabazar fire? The designated city corporation? Or the market authorities?
Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General Brig Gen Md Main Uddin said it was sad that people attacked the fire service headquarters and injured four firefighters even as they were trying to save lives and properties in the Bangabazar fire.
Bangabazar market fire: Many to have lost all of their investments in the Bangabazar fire. Businessmen said the fire burnt several hundred shops to ashes.