Following the devastating Gulshan-1 DNNC Market fire, Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) Minister Tajul Islam says that the fire code will be strictly maintained from now on before warning of stern actions for violating it.
Speaking to the media on Saturday (Mar 30) after visiting the scene of the fire that broke out early in the morning, the minister admitted authorities neglected to implement fire safety measures at DNCC market after the 2017 incident.
“Necessary fire safety measures were not present at the temporary shed area of the market, which was built after the 2017 fire. The authorities concerned have shown negligence in this regard.”
DNCC Mayor Atiqul Islam, who was also present at the scene, said: "On multiple occasions in the past, the city corporation had asked traders and shopkeepers to implement proper fire suppression system, but they did not cooperate due to complexity over their shop ownership and leases.
“Under the circumstances, we could not do much to prevent the fire that gutted this market. We need time to resolve the ownership and lease related issues of shops located in this market. This issue is our top priority.”
The mayor continued: "Shopkeepers need to be aware that this market is too congested, and lacks open spaces. We will need around two weeks to rehabilitate people who suffered losses in the fire. They will be compensated under the existing government laws."
The mayor added that legal action will be taken against those who violated the law and regulations.

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