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Mirpur fire deemed structural and negligence-related murder, says IPD

 VB  Desk

VB Desk

The Institute for Planning and Development (IPD) has called the deaths of workers in the recent fire at Shialbari, Rupnagar, Mirpur a structural and negligence-related murder. The organization has demanded that the perpetrators be identified and face the maximum punishment.

In a press release on Wednesday, IPD also expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families, while urging authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and adequate compensation for affected households.

The fire, IPD noted, was a direct result of unauthorized hazardous industrial units, lack of fire safety certification, absence of firefighting and safety measures in the building, and non-compliance with urban planning regulations.

“Industrial owners have blatantly ignored city planning and relevant building and labor laws,” the statement said. “By exploiting the poverty of workers and failing to provide safe working conditions, factory owners forced employees to work in such dangerous environments. They must be held accountable for these deaths.”

The organization further emphasized that the District Administration, Police, Capital Development Authority, Fire Service, Civil Defense, Factory and Establishment Inspection Department, Labor Department, Explosives Department, and Dhaka North City Corporation all share responsibility. Had these authorities fulfilled their duties, the tragic loss of life could have been prevented.

IPD stressed that unchecked construction of industrial units across Dhaka and other urban areas reflects a government-level corruption cycle, which urgently needs to be addressed.

“No one has the right to endanger workers or nearby residents by establishing factories haphazardly, ignoring city master plans or industrial zones,” the release said. “The government must take immediate measures to prevent such practices and ensure the safety of workers and citizens.”

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