Journalists enter Secretariat first time after fire, missing regular hustle and bustle
Journalists were allowed to enter the Secretariat premises for the first time today (30 December) since the building was made off limits to them following a massive fire last Thursday.
They observed a lack of visitors or cars inside the Secretariat as employees of many departments were on leave. Even those who attended office had left their cars outside the premises.
Journalists who cover the Secretariat and government officials with temporary passes were barred from entering the premises yesterday, following a government decision to cancel all temporary passes and restrict access through media persons' accreditation cards until further notice.
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Various journalists' associations harshly criticised the move. Later in the day, leaders of Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum held a meeting with the Home Affairs adviser following which the home ministry said members of this organisation and other members who regularly cover the Secretariat will be allowed to enter using temporary passes.
Accordingly, journalists gathered at Gate No. 2 of the Secretariat since morning. Then a list was sent to the home ministry and everyone on the list was allowed to enter the premises around 2pm.
Upon entering, it was found that no activities were taking place in any office of Building No. 2, which was damaged in the fire. All the gates of building number 7, which was also damaged in the fire, have been closed for the sake of investigation. The 700-foot-long building has four entry gates. In addition, there are two gates connected to other buildings, on the second and fourth floors. They were also seen closed.
The 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th floors of Building-7 were extensively damaged in the fire. These floors housed the offices of the Roads and Highways Department, Bridges Division, Local Government Division, Posts and Telecommunications Division, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Ministry of Labour.
In addition, from the ground floor to the fifth floor, there were offices of some sections of the Ministry of Public Administration, Financial Institutions Division, and some parts of the Internal Resources Division. Although these offices were not particularly damaged, no work is being done in these offices for the sake of security and investigation. Most of the employees have been given leave and those who came to the Secretariat are conducting activities from other departments. Meanwhile, the investigation committee formed for the fire incident is scheduled to submit its initial report to the government today.
