A writ, seeking compensation of Tk 3 million for each victim of the tragic Chawkbazar fire, has been filed with the High Court.

Supreme Court lawyer Yunus Ali Akand filed the petition on Sunday (Feb 24).

Six persons including secretaries of the home, finance and law ministries, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) chairman and Dhaka South City Corporation mayor have been made defendants in the writ.

The petition also sought a rule from the High Court asking why the inaction of the government to relocate chemical warehouses following the Nimtali fire will not be declared illegal.

It also sought the court’s order for a judicial probe, moving the chemical warehouse and demolishing illegal structures.

On Wednesday (Feb 20), a deadly blaze ripped through Old Dhaka’s Chawkbazar, claiming at least 70 lives and injuring at least over 50 people.

The fire reportedly originated on the ground floor of a building housing a chemical warehouse.

It quickly spread and morphed into a large-scale inferno after a gas cylinder in a pick-up van exploded and gutted at least five buildings.

A total of 37 fire-fighting units battled for at least 15 hours to douse the flames.

The injured are being treated at different hospitals in the capital.