Old Dhaka still at risk
Despite a government
move to shift these chemical store-houses and factories, these have not yet been
shifted to safer places
in the last six years
Six years on to the agonising Nimtoli fire incident and the scenario in Old Dhaka is still the same it is galore with chemical factories. The shocker has not only fizzled out of public memory but has made the chemical dealers there more bold and defiant to continue with their trading of hazardous and flammable chemical substances. According to reliable sources, some 850 chemical factories are unlawfully operating in the capital, with majority of them concerted in densely populated areas of Old Dhaka.
These flammable chemical factories, including plastic and polythene workshops, are running without any licence or Department of Environment (DoE) certificate. This shocking truth only speaks of our sloppy attitude towards ill-fated accidents and also of a dreary sense of irresponsibility. The chemical disaster which had claimed 117 lives while injuring hundreds should have served as an appalling eye-opener. Instead, it has been forgotten to a great degree.
To ask simply, who would be held accountable if another big-scale chemical disaster strikes Old Dhaka?
Despite a government move to shift these chemical store-houses and factories, these have not yet been shifted to safer places in the last six years. It still remains a hub of small industries of flammable and dangerous chemical trade in the absence of proper roads and open spaces. We fail to understand why this seemingly dicey situation is not being taken seriously.
Given what had happened in 2010, the chemical factories and their depots should have been re-located far away to some open and safer area and we want to know what is preventing that from happening. According to a 2013 news report, an anonymous member of the Bangladesh Chemical and Perfumery Merchant Association alleged, nearly a thousand out of the 1,500 chemical companies were doing business illegally in the Old Dhakas Mitford area alone by paying bribes. If so, why the fact wasnt promptly verified then? Moreover, it is time our law makers and law enforcement agencies explain their incapacity in this regard. An explanation before another impending disaster is more desired than a post-disaster explanation.
Speakers participating at a human chain programme on last Friday rightly called for relocating chemical factories, chemical warehouses and shops from residential areas of Old Dhaka to safer places for the sake of public safety. If that does not happen, then shouldnt we assume that something must be critically wrong with our legal system and law enforcers?
Lastly, the growing demand for shifting chemical establishments has intensified following the Nimtoli fire tragedy in old Dhaka, but to what prospect? It is expected prompt actions would be taken to re-locate the chemical industry from Old Dhaka. Considering environmental and health hazards, it shouldnt become a travesty with lapsed deadlines and unacceptable excuses.
