Fire Extinguishers Mandatory in Every Building, Office and Factory: DSCC Administrator

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator and freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam has stressed the mandatory installation of fire extinguishers in every building, office and factory following a fire in Chawkbazar, Old Dhaka.

He emphasised the importance of having firefighting equipment readily available to contain fires at an early stage and urged residents and business owners to keep roads free from encroachment to ensure the uninterrupted movement of fire engines and emergency response vehicles.

The DSCC administrator made the remarks while responding to journalists' questions after inspecting the fire-affected area in Chawkbazar on Monday night (October 12).

Abdus Salam said the fire had been brought under control through the efforts of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, with necessary emergency measures already in place.

According to preliminary information, the fire reportedly originated at a bag manufacturing factory or warehouse before spreading to a nearby fabric warehouse and two other buildings. However, he clarified that the exact cause of the fire would be determined only after a thorough investigation.

Addressing the recurring fire hazards and high population density in Old Dhaka, Salam highlighted the area's longstanding infrastructure challenges.

He observed that the neighbourhood's population and structural pressures had developed over several decades, placing an enormous burden on existing public facilities.

Illustrating the scale of the problem, he said that infrastructure originally designed to serve approximately 5,000 people might now be accommodating as many as 500,000 residents.

The administrator explained that the city corporation had undertaken long-term plans to address these challenges, including preserving existing ponds and renovating ageing water supply lines and drainage systems. He acknowledged that implementing these measures would require considerable time.

Referring to previous major fires linked to chemical warehouses and businesses in Old Dhaka, Salam said chemical trading activities in the area had since been discontinued.

He urged owners of surrounding buildings, shopping centres and commercial establishments to take fire safety precautions seriously and learn from previous incidents.

The administrator stressed that adequate firefighting arrangements, including accessible fire extinguishers, must be ensured in every market, building and factory. He added that the city corporation would conduct regular monitoring to encourage compliance with fire safety requirements.

Salam also expressed concern over the occupation of pavements and roads by unauthorised shops and businesses, noting that such encroachments significantly obstruct traffic movement along Old Dhaka's already narrow streets.

He warned that blocked access routes could delay fire engines and emergency rescue teams during critical incidents, potentially increasing the risk of casualties and property damage.

He therefore called on residents, traders and local stakeholders to cooperate in keeping public roads and pavements clear for emergency access.

Regarding assistance for businesses affected by the Chawkbazar fire, the DSCC administrator said the city corporation would consider providing financial or institutional support where necessary.

He added that further measures would be taken in accordance with the findings and recommendations of the investigation report.