The latest fire incidents in the capital are being investigated to see if there was any sabotage, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Khandker Golam Faruq.
He made the remark while briefing the media after visiting the fire site at New Super Market.
Intelligence surveillance will be strengthened, and at the same time, intelligence personnel in white clothes will be stationed in front of the markets, he said.
Earlier, a massive fire broke out at Dhaka’s New Super Market — next to New Market around 5:40am. The first firefighting unit reached the spot around 5:43am and it was brought under control around 9:10am.
At least 19 people fell sick from the heavy smoke while firefighters were trying to douse the blaze.
A total of 28 firefighting units and teams of Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force are still working to douse the fire.
Twelve Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) units are also working on the spot.
Probe whether arson, terrorism behind recent fires: PM
“It should be investigated whether they (BNP-Jamaat) are taking a different path by causing incidents like fire,” she said.
The prime minister said this while talking at the Awami League Local Government Nomination Board meeting held at her official residence Ganabhaban.
She asked to investigate whether the recent spate of fire incidents in markets were part of a conspiracy or sabotage.
She asked to beef up surveillance measures at important markets across the country.
“Everyone should be more aware. Everyone has to make arrangements on their own initiative to guard (their establishments). All efforts by the government will continue,” she said.
She also said that unnecessary gathering at sites of fire incidents must not be allowed when fire fighters are trying to douse the blaze, and strict action will be taken in case of any obstruction regarding this matter.
FSCD DG for probe whether sabotage is behind frequent fires
Director General of the Fire Service and Civil Defense Department Brig General Md Moin Uddin has urged the intelligence agencies to investigate whether there was any sabotage behind the recent series of fire incidents.
He said this while replying to a question from journalists after a fire broke out in New Supermarket near New Market early Saturday morning.
“We’re working for you with risks. One after another, fire incidents are taking place. I will call on the intelligence agencies to check if there is any sabotage,” he said.
The fire broke out on the third floor of New Supermarket and the members of the Border Guard Bangladesh fire service, police, Rapid Action Battalion, army, air force, and Dhaka WASA water-carrying vehicles, were working to bring the fire under control, he added.
“We still don’t know why the fire broke out here. We have brought the fire under control but could not douse it,” said Brig Gen Moin adding that they are facing difficulty to bring the fire under control because of onlookers.
“If everyone remains aware at every level, then it is possible to survive the fire. High volt bulbs are used here. Accidents happen because they are not aware. We urge shop owners in all markets to refrain from using high-voltage lights,” the fire service DG said.
