FBCCI demands action for negligence, whoever it is

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the apex business body, has demanded legal action against anyone found guilty of negligence in the fire incident at the Green Cozy Cottage building in the capital's Bailey Road on Thursday (29 February) night.

"Businessmen were conducting their business with permission. What were the government regulatory bodies doing? he asked and called for attention to any possible negligence by regulatory bodies like the fire service, Rajuk, and others.

"Those responsible for approving the building should be held accountable since they are the ones who granted approval following their inspection," FBCCI Senior Vice President Md Amin Helaly said today while visiting the fire-ravaged commercial building on Bailey Road with an FBCCI delegation this morning.

He also added that if there is negligence on the part of businesses, they should be prosecuted as well.

Criticising stakeholders for putting the blame solely on business operators, Amin Helaly said, "Entities that regulate these buildings are the primary authorities. They have the law in their hands, while we [businessmen] can only provide recommendations, which we did."

"They simply try to pass the bucket onto the businessmen citing cautionary notices. No solution can be reached until this blame game stops," he added.

He urged bringing those who issue licences to businesses to justice.

"Our economy is advancing, but there is no discipline. We need to address this irregularity instead of blaming each other. Now is not the time for a blame game," he said, calling on the authorities to take responsibility for the situation.

He further said, "Our job is to do business, and the government and its departments are supposed to create a healthy environment for businessmen. 

Voicing similar concerns, Bangladesh Shop Owners Association President Md Helal Uddin, said, "We don't want to see another tragedy like Green Cozy Cottage again. The government should take disciplinary actions against those who have given the businesses licences to operate."

He added, "The ones in the regulatory board never get punished. It is the businesses who incur losses, common people who lose their lives for others' mistakes."

"We (shop owners association) have visited several markets after discussing with BIDA, FBCCI and various other stakeholders. We observed issues with electricity and fire hazards in some places.

"However, to solve the issues, fire-safety firms are quoting Tk 3-5 crore for fire safety systems in each market. Now the question is, where will we get such a large amount?" the shop owners' association president further said.

Criticising the firms that are quoting such amounts, he informed that the government has made the import of any fire safety equipment tax-free for the benefit of the people but some organisations are still trying to make extra money.