The High Court on Monday asked the authorities concerned to explain why they should not be directed to give compensation to the families of the victims of a recent devastating fire on a building in the capitals Bailey Road area that killed 46 and injured several others.
In response to a writ petition, the HC bench comprising Justice Mostafa Zaman Islam and Justice Md Atabullah asked the respondents including the secretary of home ministry and the chairman of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) to reply to the rule within four weeks.
Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) and Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) jointly filed the writ petition with the HC seeking its directive in this regard.
The HC bench also asked why the authorities concerned should not directed to construct fireproof rooms and stairs in multi-storied buildings, factories and establishments and why these issues should not be included in the Fire Prevention and Extinction Act.
Besides, the rule has also asked why the operation of commercial establishments in residential areas should not be declared illegal.
In addition, the HC directed Rajuk and the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence to submit a report regarding the number of fire incidents in high-rise buildings and the amount of loss of life and property during 2023-24.
