DNCC to revoke trade licence if security not ensured, warns mayor

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) will revoke trade licenses of shops located in buildings with faulty security system, warned Mayor Atiqul Islam on Wednesday.

“We will visit anytime. The trade license will be canceled if there is an obstacle in the stairs of any building and there is a defect in the security system,” said the mayor while addressing a workshop on disaster management exercise as its chief guest at the Bangladesh University of Professionals.

Building authorities are responsible for ensuring the infrastructure’s security, including fire safety and electrical safety, he said.

However, he added, many commercial buildings have shops even on the stairways.

Atiqul Islam said according to Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC), it is mandatory to take permission from fire service, environment department, gas and electricity department during the construction of a building. In addition, high-rise buildings must have fire detectors, smoke detectors, high-speed water spray systems and carbon dioxide emission systems.

But unfortunately, the mayor lamented that these codes are not followed properly in the construction of most of the buildings in different cities of the country including the capital, which leads to accidents at various times.

Mayor also said the garment sector fell under threat after the Rana Plaza collapse in 2013, soon after he took charge as the president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). 

He said, “I called regular meetings with the association and agreed on compliance issues. I opened the garment factory to the buyers. As a result, we were able to gain their trust. They visited the factory and reported online. Factories that had negative reports did not receive orders. As a result, gradually everyone has been forced to ensure security.”