Rescue work yet to start for risk fear

Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) yesterday could not start rescue operations at the collapsed Rangs Bhaban in the capital fearing the vulnerable structure that remains standing could tumble down endangering rescuers.
Rajuk yesterday announced that it would give Tk 1 lakh to the families of each dead and bear the treatment costs of the injured.
Several floors of Rangs Bhaban caved in Saturday night killing at least four. Dozens are still missing and are feared trapped under the rubble injured or dead. The building was being demolished when it caved in.
Rajuk hired three private construction firms to ensure enough structural support so that rescuers can move in.
The firms started placing steel support bars inside the building yesterday. More than 100 workers of the three firms were engaged with the job.
Among the four killed, the bodies of three were seen hanging from different places in the building or partially buried under the rubble. None dared to recover the bodies fearing further collapse of the building.
Selim Newaz Bhuiyan, deputy director of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, yesterday said one of their teams was waiting in front of Rangs Bhaban for clearance from Rajuk and start rescue operations.
An executive engineer of Rajuk told The Daily Star, "We are hopeful that the work of supporting the structure would be complete by Tuesday evening and after that the bodies of the labourers would be recovered."
Engineers of the hired firms, however, said it would take at least 72 hours to complete their job.
Survivors and relatives of the missing labourers were seen waiting around the building. Missing labourer Delwar's brother Alauddin from Faridpur was seen crying in front of the building. Apparently believing his brother is dead, he said he came to Dhaka to take the body of his brother.
Other survivors who were also waiting for the bodies of their fellow workers said if they were allowed, they would recover the bodies.
Various political parties and social organisations yesterday demanded punitive actions against those who were responsible for the uncontrolled collapse of the building during its demolition.