DHAKA:  Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has started removing the chemicals from the basement of Wahed Mansion, from where the fire broke out at Chawbazar in Old Dhaka.

With this, removal of chemical warehouses in Old Dhaka has begun, said DSCC mayor Sayeed Khokon on Saturday (Feb 23).

”Lawful action will be taken against those building owners who have not yet taken steps to remove chemical warehouses,” the mayor warned. 

Mayor Sayeed Khokon was talking to reporters while supervising the chemical removal operation in front of Wahed Mansion this noon.

He said “Eviction of chemical warehouses from Old Dhaka has begun with the removal of chemicals from the badly affected building (Wahed Mansion). A few days before the fire, I took an initiative to remove the chemical warehouses from old Dhaka. But unfortunately, the Chawkbazar tragedy happened two days after that”.

“As long as all the chemical godowns of old Dhaka are not relocated, the eviction drive will continue,” the mayor cleared his stance.

Expressing his firm determination to protect people’s lives and valuables, he asked locals to inform City Corporation and police about location of chemical warehouses in nearby houses. 

The mayor also sought cooperation from local people to make the drive a success.   

Issuing warnings to house owners, he also said “If you have the chemical warehouses at home, you must remove it. Otherwise action will be taken against those building owners.” 

BDST: 1603 HRS, FEB 23, 2019
RS/SMS