The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) handed over a cheque for Tk. one crore as grants to rehabilitate the traders who were affected by the recent fire incident at Bangabazar clothing market in the capital. FBCCI President Md. Jashim Uddin handed over the cheque to the Bangabazar Complex Dokan Malik Samity on Saturday (May 27) at the FBCCI Icon in Dhaka, local media reported.
Speaking on the occasion, the FBCCI president said, "Any kind of fire incident is unfortunate for any businessman. I was out of the country when the fire incident happened in Bangabazar. The fire was so fierce that everything was burnt to ashes, nothing was left there. I felt that we should contribute even a little in this crisis. That's why we decided to help with Tk. 1 crore to the affected traders."
Jashim, also the new SAARC Chamber President said, "We're handing over this cheque today as per our commitment. I think all capable businessmen should stand beside small businesses in various natural calamities and fire incidents."
He said that businessmen must follow compliance. However, blame should not be put on the businessmen only, but all those concerned should be brought under question, including the companies that issue licenses for commercial buildings and factories, said a press release.
To avoid such accidents in the future, the FBCCI President urged the government to take steps to build permanent and modern buildings for the affected traders. He also urged the business leaders and market committees to be aware of the risky markets and to do the necessary reforms.
FBCCI is working with the government to ensure fire safety in factories across the country, he said adding, "We've formed the Fire Safety Council to increase the awareness about fire safety in the private sector."
So far, some 5,000 companies have been inspected through this safety council. This safety council will visit a total of 44,000 companies across the country. Apart from this, fire-fighting training is being given in every factory. He directed Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity and FBCCI Fire Safety Council to work together to ensure fire safety in shops and shopping malls.
FBCCI senior vice president Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu said that the fire service unit had earlier marked Bangabazar as risky and warned several times, but the matter was not given importance by the market committee. He urged everyone to be more responsible instead of blaming the government.
Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity President Helal Uddin said that the existing markets in the capital are being inspected. If any type of risk is noticed, they will be warned as well as instructions will be given to reform them within the stipulated time.
FBCCI vice presidents Md Amin Helaly, Md Habib Ullah Dawn, directors, secretary general Mohammad Mahfuzul Hoque, head of the FBCCI Safety Council Brigadier General Abu Nayeem Md. Shahidullah (Retd.), president and secretary of Bangbazar Complex Dokan Malik Somity, and other business leaders were present at the program.
