Sitakunda fire exposes fragile state system: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said the deadly fire at BM Container Depot in Sitakunda has exposed a very fragile state system in Bangladesh.

“No security measures were taken there. I am terrified to think a country that has been said to be a modern one like Singapore, has no minimum security of human life. This government is only making money indulging in stealing in the name of development,” he said.

The BNP leader was talking to reporters at the local press club in the district, reports UNB.

He said there were insufficient security measures in the container depot. “There’re no safety measures to prevent fire or any other accidents.”

Fakhrul also said the government has even failed to ensure proper treatment for the injured. “The Awami League government has completely failed to build a modern container depot which is really needed for the development of the country.”

A devastating fire that broke out at BM Container Depot in Chattogram’s Sitakunda on Saturday night killed at least 43 people and injured more than 300 others.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued from BNP’s central office in the capital, Fakhrul expressed deep shock and sorrow over the huge loss of lives in the fire.

He said disasters like fires and different accidents are increasing day by day due to the limitless failure of the ‘illegitimate’ government.

“This government has no accountability to people. So no matter how many accidents happen, no matter how many fatalities occur, they keep their eyes closed. People’s lives have no value to them,” the BNP leader said.

He alleged that the ruling party men are involved in every tragic incident in one way or another. “Had the government properly investigated the incidents and put the offenders under trial from the beginning, such incidents would not have happened again and again.”

The BNP leader lamented that so many people were killed in the blast and fire while many other people are fighting for life following the Sitakunda blaze. The government is responsible for this incident. It has also proved once again how failed this government is.”

He also said though the present government talks about development, it has failed to provide security to the people. “So, Awami League can no longer be kept in power. Democracy and the country will be in danger if it can’t be removed from power.”

Fakhrul prayed for the salvation of the departed souls of the victims and conveyed his deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and demanded immediate medical treatment for the injured.