A peculiar series of fire incidents
Repeated fire incidents at markets and shopping malls have been adding to the heat of the ongoing heatwave in the capital. These fires have become a matter of grave concern for the entire business community. Within less than half a month, four fires broke out. First in Bangabazar on April 4, then at New Super Market on April 15, with the Uttara BGB market and Baitul Mukarram jewellery market both catching fire on April 17. Shops in the thousands were burned down in a flash. Also on April 17, fires broke out at two markets outside the capital, one in Rangpur and another in Sylhet. The loss from these incidents has been colossal despite the all-out efforts from the army, navy, air forces, and the fire brigade to minimise damage.
Fire incidents are bound to incur loss of life or property; sometimes both in varying degrees. The financial loss from the fire at BM container depot at Sitakunda was estimated at Tk 1,400 crore. And now, the Bangabazar fire alone is estimated to have damaged goods worth nearly Tk 300 crore. At least 200 shops at New Super Market were gutted in the blaze.
The two fires – Bangabazar and New Super Market – have burnt countless shops to ashes, causing thousands of traders and employees to lose their livelihoods. All stakeholders, including shoppers and shop owners, are in a panic given the frequent fire incidents.
The causes of these fires are not fully clear as investigation is ongoing. Though, there are a number of possible reasons as to how the fires may have started such as electric short circuits, leakage of gas cylinders, gas burner explosions, discarded but burning cigarette butts, or something else entirely. But the extent of damage, so colossal by any count, might be attributed to a lack of adequate fire safety arrangements, an absence of exits for the emergency evacuation of goods, and poorly planned infrastructure which does not take into account fire emergencies. In fact, a recent survey of the Dhaka city markets reveals that as many as 58 markets are at moderate to high risk of fire.
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. Authorities ought to find out through proper investigation if there was any form of sabotage behind this series of fire incidents or not. If so, those found to be involved must duly be brought to justice.
More importantly, it must be ensured that the markets which have been identified as risky are made risk-free without further delay. Market buildings and other infrastructure which are mostly dilapidated need to be renovated. Electrical wiring systems need to be thoroughly checked and any faults rectified as necessary. The passages and corridors inside a market complex need to be kept clear for easy movement.
Firefighting arrangements as per the Bangladesh Fire Service & Civil Defence's requirements are almost non-existent in most of these markets. It is high time fire service authorities took concrete measures in cooperation with city corporations to see that proper fire safety arrangements (including provisions for adequate number of fire extinguishers, fire hydrant points, and water reservoirs with sufficient water) are placed for every shopping complex as per fire safety rules, and failing to comply should result in the shop owners and their associations facing legal consequences such as fines, imprisonment, or both.
Hundreds and thousands of workers and employees are engaged in running these markets. The livelihoods of millions of people are dependent on these business centres. It is our responsibility to stand by the affected traders, and help them recover and reestablish their businesses. This is essential not only for their own survival but also for the survival of their thousands of employees.
Many of these small traders and shop owners feel discouraged from acquiring insurance coverage as accessibility to insurance and claiming settlements are both lengthy and cumbersome processes. It is in this regard that the government has to develop mechanisms so that traders can have easy access to insurance coverage.
PM Sheikh Hasina has sanctioned an instant grant of Tk 9 crore from the government exchequer for affected traders of Bangabazar. The assistance may appear small compared to the damage borne by the businesses, but it is a gesture that will boost the morale of the victims. The best way to help them recover from the shock and get back into business could be to give them bank loans on softer terms, and the central bank may play a leading role in this regard.
Capt Hussain Imam is a retired merchant mariner. Reach him at: husainimam385@yahoo.com