Citizens must also take responsibility to prevent another Nimtoli-like tragedy: Dhaka South administrator

Preventing another fire and explosion like the Nimtoli tragedy requires not only government action but also greater public responsibility, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Abdus Salam said today (28 June).

He made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled "Nimtoli Tragedy: When Will Deaths Caused by Negligence End?" organised by the Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa) at the National Press Club in Dhaka.

Abdus Salam said allowing hazardous chemical businesses to operate in residential areas for higher rental income is not solely the government's responsibility. 

Although laws exist, effective enforcement requires greater public awareness and cooperation, he added.

Referring to the continued operation of illegal chemical warehouses in parts of Old Dhaka, he said many traders are unwilling to relocate to designated areas due to higher profits, putting lives at risk.

Drawing a parallel with the dengue situation, he said a recent survey found Aedes mosquito larvae in nearly 60% of homes in Dhaka. "Many people create mosquito breeding grounds in their own homes and later blame the city corporation. The same sense of responsibility is needed to stop illegal chemical businesses," he said.

Photo: TBS

The DSCC administrator also stressed the need for disaster preparedness in the face of climate change and earthquake risks, urging citizens to comply with building codes and approved designs alongside government efforts.

Referring to the interim government, he said it had the opportunity to take tougher decisions on environmental protection and urban management.

Highlighting Dhaka's urban challenges, Abdus Salam said groundwater levels are falling, waterlogging is worsening and unplanned urbanisation continues. These problems cannot be addressed by the city corporation alone, he added.

At the seminar, Bapa Joint Secretary Ahmed Kamruzzaman Majumder presented the keynote paper, recommending 11 policy measures, including relocating chemical warehouses from residential areas, strengthening chemical safety management, modernising the Fire Service and strictly enforcing the building code. 

The seminar, chaired by Bapa President Nur Mohammad Talukder and moderated by General Secretary Alamgir Kabir, was also addressed by former Communist Party of Bangladesh general secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince, former Fire Service director Major Shakil, Bangladesh Chemical and Perfumery Merchants Association President Haji Mohammad Shariful Islam, Bapa Executive Member Iqbal Habib, disaster management expert Gawhar Nayeem Wara and Bapa Joint Secretary Javed Jahan.