The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible for neglecting safety measures leading to a devastating fire that claimed 46 lives at a building in the capitals Bailey Road on Thursday night.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the damaged building on Saturday, Amin Helaly, senior vice-president of the apex trade body, said various government agencies were blaming each other since the incident, which will not lead to a solution.
"We want a proper investigation into the incident. At the end of the investigation, those responsible should be punished -- be that a person or an organisation," he said.
Helaly said the private sector in Bangladesh has contributed to economic growth and economic advancement, adding, "But business establishments are still lagging behind in terms of full compliance with rules."
Terming the fire incident as a man-made crisis, he said proper measures should be adopted to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Before the fire broke out, a government agency had issued notices declaring the building dangerous, he added.
After the accident, they are now only blaming the traders. "They cannot avoid their responsibility by simply giving notices. They had the scope to take legal action. Instead, they were indifferent. Now, businesses are being blamed," he said.
Helaly said the government agencies should thoroughly analyse and examine the safety aspects of a building before issuing compliance certificates to commercial establishments. —BSS
