DSCC Administrator Seeks Traders' Cooperation on Fire Safety in Old Dhaka

A views-exchange meeting has been held in Old Dhaka to raise traders' awareness ahead of the coming dry season, with the aim of tackling fire risks, strengthening fire safety and preventing possible accidents. At the meeting, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Abdus Salam sought traders' cooperation in ensuring fire safety and civic amenities in Old Dhaka.

The meeting was organised by the DSCC on Sunday (25 October) at the Moulvibazar Traders' Association in Chawkbazar in the capital. Senior DSCC officials, leaders of the Moulvibazar Traders' Association and representatives of various business establishments attended the event.

Administrator Abdus Salam said Old Dhaka is a densely populated and important commercial area. Devastating fires have occurred there in the past because of chemicals, he said. Every market and commercial building must therefore ensure fire safety, and the entry routes for the fire service must be kept open so firefighters can reach the scene quickly during an accident, he said.

He said many roads in Old Dhaka are obstructed by shops and illegal occupation, disrupting traffic and hampering rescue work during accidents. The administration, traders and local residents must work together in a coordinated way to improve this situation, he said.

Raising Old Dhaka's infrastructure and civic problems, the administrator said effective steps will be taken in coordination with the relevant institutions to resolve the drainage system, water drainage and road problems. The city corporation is determined to improve Old Dhaka's environment by keeping street lights working and strengthening cleanliness, he said.

The administrator also said sincere cooperation from traders and local residents is needed to reduce the fire risk in Old Dhaka, improve its roads and drainage system and restore its traditional business environment. He said the plans adopted for the area's overall development have also been discussed with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.