Govt won’t allow chemical warehouses in city: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today categorically said the government will not allow any chemical warehouses in Dhaka city, warning that it will not accept any obstruction in this regard.

“After Nimtali tragedy, such an incident happened in Chawkbazar which snatched lives of many people … we must shift the godowns from the capital and we’ll not allow whatever obstacle comes in this regard,” she said.

The prime minister said this while addressing the swearing-in ceremony of the newly-elected mayor and councillors of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) as well as the newly-elected councillors of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) here this morning.

Sheikh Hasina said chemical warehouses could not be set up in the residential areas. “The chemical traders could keep their showrooms and sell the products they produce from those showrooms,” she said.

The prime minister said the government will make arrangements for separate place for chemical godowns so that flammable materials could be stored safely there.

Describing the Chawkbazar fire incident as very regrettable, she said: “We’re searching for separate place for the owners of chemical warehouses and we don’t want to ruin their business,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina administered the oath of office to DNCC Mayor Atiqul Islam, while 26 councillors of the DNCC and 24 councillors of the DSCC took oath from LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Md Tajul Islam.

Local Government Division Secretary SM Golam Faruk conducted the oath-taking ceremony.

State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Swapan Bhattacharya was present on the dais.

Ministers, mayor of DSCC, parliament members and high civil and military officials were present at the function.