We are gravely shocked by the deaths of two firefighters in an explosion in Tongi’ Sahara Market on September 22. The incident has raised some fundamental questions about the safety of firefighters, the illegal chemical storage and inadequate safety protocols. Moreover, it is much more shocking to learn that two lives are lost due to false information given by the warehouse owner about the nature of the chemicals stored there. The firefighters were, reportedly, assured by one of the owners that there were no combustible or explosive materials inside the warehouse. But the blast indicates that there were highly explosive substances stored there. Had firefighters been informed of the presence of explosive materials, their response strategy would have been a different one.
We never learn from the past tragedies. We repeat the same performance like desperadoes. We fail to recall the upshot of the tragic explosion at BM Container Depot at Sitakunda, Chattogram on June 4, 2022 which claimed lives of 13 firefighters and Neemtoli tragedy in which 123 lives were lost on June 3, 2010. Besides, it is a matter of grave concern that such a warehouse could exist in a populated market area points to an utter failure of oversight by relevant authorities. The deadly materials to be stored in a commercial area is tantamount to blatant violation of law and safety regulations, putting hundreds of lives at risk. Moreover, it needs to be investigated if there are other chemical warehouses in the market operating secretly and posing a danger to the public. If there is any secret combustible or flammable products, explosive warehouse without foolproof safety and security measures and in the event of any blast there, the whole area may turn a sprawling inferno.
There are strong rules in the Environment Conservation Act, which affirms that none will be allowed to run business in chemicals, inflammable products and polythene in residential and overcrowded market areas. Such chemical warehouse fire like the one in Tongi reveals serious concerns about the protection and preparedness of our firefighters. The firefighters risk their lives while on duty, but their safety and well-being are often overlooked. Reports have it that firefighters often operate without essential personal protective equipment, such as fire suits or breathing apparatus. Besides, compensation for injuries or deaths is quite scanty. Such a situation is unacceptable to reason. We, therefore, urge the government to ensure that the salaries and other benefits of firefighters are commensurate with the risky work they do.
Due to lack of accountability, the departments concerned have failed to shut such businesses in residential and busy commercial areas. The authorities concerned must launch immediately a comprehensive audit of all chemical storage facilities across the country, especially those operating in and around Dhaka and Chittagong. The administration must also ensure the relevant legal provision is strengthened to hold the offenders accountable and punish them with heavy financial penalties alongwith criminal prosecution for endangering lives. The government must take stringent measures to stop the illegal operation of hazardous chemical warehouses. The authorities concerned must also conduct a thorough probe into the Tongi incident to ascertain the real reason behind the blast and nab the person who misled the firefighters. Moreover, we urge the government to ensure adequate compensation for the families of the deceased.
