Many multi storied buildings in Gulshan, Banani do not have proper fire extinguishing systems. This is despite the monitoring of city development body, RAJUK.

However, permission to construct the buildings was given on condition that fire extinguishers will be present, revealed an inter-ministerial meet on Feb 24 February, presided over by state minister for disaster management and relief, Dr Enamur Rahman.

Senior secretary of disaster management and relief, Shah Kamal, said, “Most high end apartments in Gulshan and Baridhara do not have fire extinguishers, the question is how RAJUK gave approval to them.”

As per existing rules, information on high rises (buildings over six stories) goes to RAJUK while the information about buildings below six stories is often missing.

Shak Kamal addressing PM’s chief secretary said, “There is no monitoring of buildings.”

“Members of Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh, REHAB, members need to be involved and brought under the fire extinguishing system.”

Shah Kamal also added that fire-fighting systems need to be made mandatory along with holding drills to raise awareness among the people.