Seven years after the deadly Churihatta fire in 2019, families of the victims say they are still waiting for justice. Although the trial has begun, progress has been slow, with only six of the 126 listed witnesses testifying so far.
Relatives have raised serious concerns about the charge sheet, which claims the fire began from a CNG explosion on the road, spreading to a hotel gas cylinder, a car, and finally Wahed Mansion. Families, however, insist that CCTV footage shows the fire starting on the second floor of Wahed Mansion, evidence not included in the charge sheet.
A relative, requesting anonymity, told the Daily Observer that police intimidated him into giving a statement and called for a reinvestigation by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI).
Official records show that 70 people were killed in the fire. While 67 bodies were handed over to families, three remain in the morgue due to unconfirmed DNA results. The charge sheet was submitted in 2024, five years after the incident, and the owner of the warehouse is currently out on bail.
Families also alleged that the 30 crore taka collected in the then Prime Minister's Relief Fund has not been distributed fairly. Only 20-25 families reportedly received assistance, while many others remain without support. Survivors continue to struggle financially, with some still waiting to receive shops promised by Dhaka South City Corporation as compensation.
The Churihatta Fire Victims, Injured and Affected Families Association organized a prayer and milad mahfil, demanding reinvestigation, cancellation of the accused's bail, and transparent distribution of compensation. Ashiq Uddin Soinik, General Secretary of the organization, called for state responsibility, allowances for widows and elderly, educational and medical support for children, and safe working and residential environments free from hazardous chemical warehouses.
"We do not want sympathy only. We want justice, accountability, and a safe city for everyone," he said, emphasizing the urgent need for reform and proper rehabilitation for all affected families.
