Stringent measures will be taken to evict all chemical warehouses at the capital’s Old Dhaka, said Dhaka South Mayor Sayeed Khokon.
His remarks came on Thursday (Feb 21) while speaking to the media after inspecting the fire-ravaged Chawk Bazar area.
“The rescue operations finished at 12 pm,” he said and added that three units of fire service men will stay at the scene to monitor the situation.
“So far 70 have died and 41 have been injured. Among them, 32 have been released after being given primary treatment.
“Those damaged in the fire will be provided necessary help. The rescue operation took place under the supervision of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”
Khokon said that the families of the victims can contact the number 029556014, Chawkbazar police station or the local City Corporation office. “The mobile courts have started operations since Monday to evict the chemical warehouses at Old Dhaka,” he said.
The mayor said that the mobile court raids started after a meeting held with the chemical traders through the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries.
He added that the warehouses will be transferred to a location in Keraniganj.
“The dead bodies of the deceased will be handed over after the identification process is complete,” Khokon said, adding that the unidentified bodies will be buried through Anjuman Mufidul after a DNA test.
He said that gas and power supply to the area has been cut off and has urged the fire service to restore the services as quickly as possible.
“The City Corporation and fire service will work together to clean the carnage.”
He said that the fire service has formed a probe committee and if anyone is found guilty in the report, they will be brought to justice.