Proper investigation into Nimtoli fire demanded

More organisations yesterday expressed profound shock at the loss of numerous lives in the devastating fire at Nimtoli in old Dhaka on Thursday night.
Demanding proper investigation into the fire incident within a specific time, they urged the government to take necessary steps to prevent recurrence of such disasters.
In a statement, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) mentioned some recent accidents -- fire at Garib & Garib Garment and Japan Garden City, building collapse at Begunbari and the latest fire in Nimtoli -- and said that these accidents took place as safety rules were not followed.
They also called on the authorities concerned to take effective measures to enforce existing laws.
Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF), in its statement, said that apart from inflammable chemicals, acids are also being sold in the open market in old Dhaka, which may lead to tragic incidents like Nimtoli fire.
Storing inflammable chemicals in houses is a punishable crime under the Acid Control Act, it said.
The ASF will form a human chain in front of emergency department gate of Dhaka Medical College demanding proper investigation into the fire incident and punishment to the persons responsible.
North South University also expressed profound shock and grief at the loss of lives in the fire and Begunbari building collapse.
Meanwhile, organisations of film producers, directors, artistes and distributors handed over medicines to Dr Samanta Lal Sen, head of burn unit at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, for the people injured in the Nimtoli fire, says a press release.
AUSTRALIAN ENVOY
Australian High Commissioner in Dhaka Dr Justin Lee has expressed profound shock at the loss of lives in the Nimtoli fire.
In a condolence message yesterday, Dr Lee said, “The Australian High Commission extends its deepest condolences to the people of Bangladesh following the devastating fires in old Dhaka on 3 June.”
“The enormity of the tragedy is deeply saddening and our thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and their families,” he added.
The Australian government will also be extending its condolences to the government of Bangladesh, the statement added.