Despite several fire accidents, the authority of Bangabazaar in Gulisthan has not become alert. Despite several warnings, they have not taken any measures. On the contrary, they are demanding that their market is free of fire risk.
After the market was reduced to rubble in 1995, the city-corporation re-constructed it. Unfortunately, several shops of Bangabazaar were burnt in July 2018.
The fire service has identified the mall as risky and asked the authority to take steps.
The alleys in Bangabazaar market are narrow and do not have fire extinguishers, heat or smoke detectors.
Despite several notices by the fire department, adequate measures have not been taken and the market authority claims that they have enough fire extinguishers.
Fire service experts say that since the entire market is constructed of wood, only fire extinguishers will not provide the needed help in case of an emergency.
Of the 1305 shopping stores at Bangabazaar, 622 have been identified as highly risky and 678 as risky. Only five were given the satisfactory label.
Bangabazaar traders say that they are living in risk and though there are extinguishers, the guards do not know how to use them.
Another shop owner said: “the authority has trained guards in using the extinguishers.”
Bangabazaar business community general secretary, Dulal Ahmed adds: “the market is not under any risk and we are aware; there are fire extinguishers at all floors and the market is smoking free zone.”
The other markets near Bangabazaar have CCTVs and the nearby shopping mall, Bangabazaar Shopping Complex, does not have fire extinguishers.
The market which is 21,250 square feet is the one of biggest markets for ready-made garments.