In this regard, Kamrul Hasan, President of Gausia Shop Owners Association told Prothom Aalo on Sunday, it is not true that Gausia market is under fire. He claims, ‘This market is self-sufficient in terms of fire safety. However, two-three days ago, the fire service had inspected and told to reduce the water reserve tank from one to two. There is a lack of some equipment that has to be coordinated with them. He used to take time for these works. Now I don’t understand how they are calling it highly risky.
The fire service says shops in the capital are prone to blazes, but owners are virtually indifferent. Instead of taking effective measures to reduce the risk, they make excuses. New investment is needed to reduce the fire risk, including the purchase of safety equipment. He is not interested in this work. The issue of fire safety is again not limited to the purchase of equipment. Multiple stores in a single shop space, stocking of goods on stairs and floors, conversion of basements into godowns in some places, lack of fire safety training also pose a major risk of fire. If shop owners and trade unions do not follow the rules only because of commercial interests, they will be at greater risk.
