Nazifa Sadeq
Amidst the charred remains of yet another tragic fire incident, Bangladesh finds itself engulfed in a relentless battle against escalating infernos. On Sunday, March 24th, a fire broke out at Puratan Bazar, also known as Kacha Bazar, beside Gausia Market in Bhulta Union of Rupganj upazila in Narayanganj. Numerous shops were engulfed in flames, leaving their owners devastated by the loss just weeks before Eid, the Muslim festival signifying the end of Ramadan.
Once again, accusations and finger-pointing will arise, but one harsh reality remains undeniable: lives have been lost, families torn apart, businesses suffer losses, and a community mourns. The haunting echoes of past tragedies like the Bailey Road disaster, Zam Zam Tower tragedy, or The deadly blaze at S Alam Sugar Mill’s warehouse in Karnaphuli for 67 hours reverberate as the nation grapples with a staggering surge in fire incidents.
In the aftermath of these fire tragedies, accusations have been hurled in every direction. Business authorities stand accused of neglecting proper fire management systems, emphasizing profits over the safety of employees and customers. Civilians blame Governmental bodies for overseeing urban development and safety standards. While government drives have been launched in response to public outcry and tragedy, their effectiveness remains questionable. Experts decry the lack of a comprehensive strategy, citing sporadic efforts that quickly dissipate once initial outrage subsides.
The reality of the situation is a broken system, rife with loopholes and oversights, where safety takes a back seat to economic interests. It’s a vicious cycle where accountability is elusive, and tragedies like this one become tragically inevitable. As the death toll rises and the smoke clears, questions linger in the air, demanding answers. Who truly bears the responsibility for these preventable disasters? Is it the business authorities who prioritize profit margins over safety measures? Is it the business owners who neglect to invest in proper fire management systems? Or is it the regulatory bodies like Rajuk, who fail to enforce regulations effectively?
The Fire Service, tasked with safeguarding communities, faces its challenges, lacking essential resources and executive magistrates to enforce regulations effectively. Meanwhile, other agencies, including Rajuk and city corporations, grapple with similar constraints, impeding their ability to uphold safety standards.
Perhaps the blame lies not with any single entity but with the collective failure of the system as a whole. It’s a stark reminder that safety should never be compromised, and protecting human life must always take precedence over financial gain. We need to ensure that buildings are safe and people follow the rules to prevent fires. Lives are at stake, and we can’t wait any longer.
Author:
Student of the Department of Accounting & Finance.
School of Business and Economic.
North South University.
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