Talking to reporters while visiting the fire-hit building, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also said dangerous fire incidents are repeatedly taking place as the current government has no accountability to people.
“The 22-storey building was constructed without following the building code and keeping any fire-safety measures in it. Even there was no emergency exist stairs in the building. I can’t understand how permission was given for making such a high-rise,” he said.
The BNP leader further said, “We’re seeing such fire incidents happening repeatedly one after another. The negligence of the government and its authorities concerned are responsible for these.”
Terming FR Tower fire as a ‘killing incident’, Fakhrul said it took place as the government has failed to play its due role in ensuring public safety.
He also said the fire brigade could not carry out their rescue operation on Thursday properly for lack of necessary equipment. “Otherwise, many lives could have been saved.”
“The government must take the responsibility of the fire incident as it’s running the country. I think an anarchic situation has been created in the country since the government has no accountability.”
Fakhrul further said the tragic fire incident at FR Tower has stunned the country’s people. “We cannot accept the deaths of so many people in this way.”
The BNP leader alleged that the government has failed to take effective measures to check fire incidents even after the loss of many lives in such incidents one after another.
He suggested the government to strengthen the Fire Service and Civil Defence by enhancing its capacity equipping it with modern equipment.
At least 25 people were killed and over 70 others injured in the tragic Banani fire incident on Thursday.