HC rules for compensating Bailey Road fire victim families

Court of law

The High Court (HC) on Monday issued a rule, asking authorities concerned to explain as to why it shall not pass order to give compensation to families of the victims of recent devastating fire on a building in Bailey Road area of the capital.

A High Court division bench of Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Md Atabullah passed the order after holding hearing on a writ filed by rights bodies Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) and Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).

The court also asked why order shall not be passed to construct anti-fire room and stairs in all multi-storied buildings, factories and establishments and why these issues would not be included in the Fire Prevention and Extinction Act.

Besides, the rule has also asked why the operation of commercial establishments in residential areas will not be illegal. In addition, the HC also directed RAJUK and the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence to submit a report regarding the number of fire incidents in high-rise buildings and the loss of life and properties in those incidents in 2023-24.