Follow building codes properly to reduce fire casualties: Experts

National building codes must be followed properly to reduce fire-related casualties across the country, experts and stakeholders said on Monday.

Speaking at an interactive session on ‘Fire-Safe Glazing for Architecture’ at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka, they urged regulator bodies, inspection authorities and local administrations to play a vital role to ensure building safety for the sake of future generations.

The event was jointly organised by Grasshopper Group and FG Glass marking the launch of Schott fire safety glazing in the Bangladesh market.

Speaking as the chief guest, President of Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) Professor Dr Khandaker Shabbir Ahmed said, “We have witnessed many buildings collapse and fire casualties including the Rana Plaza, Tazreen Fashion, FR Tower, Nimtoli, and Chhurihatta incidents.

“These incidents occurred due to not maintaining building codes and other rules. Each regulator body failed to monitor the building and factories.”

He added, “Architects have a vital role to play here. Standardising factories and buildings should be a priority with the future in mind.”

Tariq Kachwala, director of FG Glass delivered the welcome speech at the programme while Helmut Kugelmann, director of Sales Fire Resistant and Security Glazing at SCHOTT presented the keynote paper on glass and glass ceramics.

On the occasion, Vice President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGMEA) Shahidullah Azim said, “We have vastly improved fire safety measures in the garments industry after the Rana plaza and Tazreen Fashion incidents.

“Bangladesh now boasts over 170 Leed-certified green RMG factories, the highest in the world. We are now following building codes.”

He also added that the incidents of Tazreen and Rana plaza were turning points for the industry which brought revolutionary changes.

Major (retd) AKM Shakil Newaz, former director  of Operation and Maintenance, Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defense, said, “I urge all to follow national building codes and fire safety regulations to reduce all types of casualties.”

MEP Consultant Md Hasmotuzzaman urged everyone to work together for the development of national building codes.

He said the rules should be timely and modern.

President of Electronics Safety and Security Association of Bangladesh Zahir Uddin Babar said they were facing various problems in customs while they import the safety products.