Fire service steps up enforcement with mobile courts

The Fire Service and Civil Defence, with the support of Rajuk and district and upazila administrations, are operating mobile courts to increase fire safety across the country. This initiative to operate mobile courts in commercial and industrial establishments has been taken due to increased fire accidents, especially during winter.

The Fire Service regularly conducts various activities to raise fire awareness, including drills, public relations, training, and leaflet distribution. In addition, Fire Service inspectors routinely inspect and issue notices to multiple institutions to bring them under fire safety regulations. Since the Fire Service does not have its magistrate, mobile courts are being operated in Dhaka with the cooperation of RAJUK magistrates.

So far, 37 mobile courts have been conducted nationwide in January. Of these, the maximum number of 24 mobile courts have been operated in Dhaka Division. Due to the lack of proper fire safety in these institutions, a fine of Tk 41.65 lakh has been collected through the mobile courts so far.

It is worth mentioning that on January 22, a mobile court was conducted at 368 Skyview Nazma Tower in Khilgaon, Dhaka, under the leadership of RAJUK Magistrate Mr Liton Sarkar.

The 10-storey building was used for commercial purposes despite having residential approval and lacked fire safety measures; the existing five restaurants and one mini-market on different floors were sealed. Since the remaining shops were closed, conducting a mobile court there was impossible.

 At that time, two Dhaka zone commanders, the senior station officer of Khilgaon Fire Station, two inspectors, and other officials and employees were present on behalf of the Fire Service.