DMP urges businessmen to install CCTV, IP cameras at markets to prevent fire

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has urged businessmen and business leaders to set up CCTV and IP cameras in all markets and shopping malls in the capital so that the establishments can be monitored to avert any fire incidents.

"Police will conduct 24/7 monitoring… you [businessmen and leaders] have to remain in touch with the concerned officer-in-charge regularly. Apart from this, you can set up IP cameras to monitor your shops or markets from home," DMP Commissioner Khandaker Golam Faruq said in a dialogue with traders and representatives from different markets and shopping malls at the DMP headquarters on Tuesday.

During the talks, both sides discussed risk factors of fire and prevention procedures during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays and afterwards.

Speaking as chair, the DMP commissioner suggested that every market in the capital should have preventive measures to avoid fire incidents.

"In case of any fire incident, they [businesses] must have their own fire extinguishing equipment and facilities. In particular, if a fire erupts, the authorities of the markets should have concrete planning on how the firefighter would enter the market and in which way the goods would be taken out from inside. These should be sorted out first," he added.

As a part of fire preparedness, Golam Faruq also asked the business owners to display the rescue plan at a visible place outside of markets.

The DMP commissioner pointed out that using archaic electric wires, not repairing those on time and using fabricated and adulterated electric products are the most common causes of fire accidents.