Why families of Bailey Road fire victims shouldn't be compensated: HC

The High Court has issued a ruling asking why the families of the victims of the capital's Bailey Road building fire should not be given compensation.

An HC bench of Justice Mostafa Zaman Islam and Justice Md Atabullah issued the rule on Monday after hearing writ petition filed by Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) and Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).

The court has asked the secretary for Home and the chairman of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) to respond to the rule within the next four weeks.

The HC asked why it would not be instructed to construct fireproof rooms and stairs in multi-storied buildings, factories and establishments and why these issues would not be included in the Fire Prevention and Extinction Act.

Besides, the rule has also asked why the operation of commercial establishments in residential areas will not be declared illegal.

The court also asked Rajuk and the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence to submit a report regarding the number of fire incidents in high-rise buildings and the amount of loss of life and property during 2023-24.