Removal of chemical warehouses from Old Dhaka has been repeatedly ordered since 2009, said Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

“The orders had been executed then but they were rebuilt again,” he told the media on Thursday (Feb 21) while visiting the victims of the Chawkbazar fire at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

“Dhaka South Mayor Sayed Khokon said that they are no longer renewing the licenses and are working on removing them (warehouses),” he added.
Kamal said that they will clear everything once they receive information and directions from the mayor’s office.

On Wednesday (Feb 20) a massive fire broke out in a five-storied building at the old Dhaka’s Chakbazar area that quickly spread to neighbouring buildings and shops.

The fire left 70 people dead so far and over forty injured.