Bldg lacks permission of eatery hosting: RAJUK
Staff Reporter :
The authorities in the capital city have revealed that the building on Bailey Road, where a fire broke out, resulting in the death of 46 individuals, did not have approval for hosting restaurants, as per the Urban Development Authority (RAJUK).
The eight-story building accommodated eight restaurants, a juice bar, and a tea-coffee shop, alongside mobile and electronic stores and clothing shops.
According to Khurshid Hossain, Director of RAJUK and head of Detailed Area Plan (DAP) project, a significant number of gas cylinders stored in the building caused rapid spreading of the fire.
RAB’s Director General, M Khurshid Hossain, informed journalists that the fire originated from the lower floors. He mentioned that the numerous gas cylinders present in the building exploded, accelerating the spread of flames.
The fire, which started at 10:00 pm on Thursday night, claimed the lives of 46 people.
Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen disclosed that 12 individuals are currently hospitalised, and their conditions remain critical due to respiratory burns. Seventy people were successfully rescued from the building.
RAJUK revealed that the building had approval for commercial use up to the seventh floor but lacked permission for restaurants or clothing shops. Ashraful Islam, the head of the DAP project, stated that the approval was granted for office space only.
As RAJUK claims there was no approval for restaurants or clothing stores in the building, the Fire Service also confirmed the absence of fire safety measures in the structure.
Brigadier General Md. Main Uddin, the Director-General of the Fire Service, visited Bailey Road and informed reporters that there were no fire safety arrangements in the building. Despite three warnings issued to the building authorities emphasizing the risks, no corrective measures were taken.
The tragedy has raised concerns about the lack of adherence to safety regulations in commercial buildings, prompting authorities to reevaluate and reinforce safety measures across the city.
The incident has brought into focus the critical need for proper safety standards and the implementation of preventive measures to avoid such devastating losses in the future.
