No fire safety measures at Krishi Market: FSCD

Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) Director (Operation & Maintenance) Lt Col Tajul Islam said there were no fire safety measures at the Krishi Market in Dhaka's Mohammadpur, where a massive fire broke out early Thursday morning. 

He made the remark at a press conference at 9:30am the same day. 

"Due to the stalls on the road and footpath and the crowd, bringing the fire under control was difficult," he said. He also said getting a water supply to battle the blaze was difficult. 

Lt Col Tajul Islam said the market had no safety plan despite receiving several notices. The market is similar to Bangabazar as the alleys were narrow and blocked with goods. Due to the lack of space, firefighters had trouble getting inside the market. 

150 firefighters from 17 units battled the blaze with the help of BGB, police, RAB, the army and the navy, he said. 

"The fire has been brought under control. But it will take some time to douse it completely," he added. 

/KN/