RAJUK propping damaged building

Rajdhani Unnayan Kartipakkha (RAJUK) has started working on preventing the collapse of the blast-hit building at Siddique Bazar in the capital’s Gulistan.

They said the building’s damaged columns have been given temporary support with steel pipes. The pipes have been placed next to the columns in the front part of the building.

During a spot visit on Friday morning, it was seen that they were propping the building. The police blocked the road in front of the building from both sides to ensure that propping goes smoothly. Fire service and RAB teams were on alert there.

Ranggan Mondal, a member of the RAJUK technical committee, said, “We are trying to keep the building from collapsing. After propping, we will do a survey to determine whether it can be repaired. It will take us one month and a half to do the survey.”

Asked about re-opening the road in front of the building, he said, “We will see how stable the building is after propping. Besides, we will see how much vibration the building can withstand. We will make a decision on the matter after checking all this.”

Fire Service and Civil Defence Deputy Director (Dhaka division) Dinmoni Sharma said, “We are not conducting rescue operations now, but we are here. We will respond to any urgent need.”

CID visits scene

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) visited the building on Friday. Its Crime Scene Unit Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Mizanur Rahman said they are collecting evidence to find out the centre of the explosion.

“We are looking for signs that can show us where the building was hit the most. The grills and the walls are still shaking. We are also trying to find out whether there is still any explosive material or methane gas at the scene,” he said.

He also said the collected evidence would be sent to the lab for testing and experts could then reveal the details.

Awareness rally

A number of people from all walks of life, led by the members of the Electronics Safety and Security Association of Bangladesh (ESSAB), held a rally in front of the building on Friday.

Engr M Monzur Alam, director of ESSAB, told the rally, “All of us who work with reputation in the safety field have the responsibility to provide the right advice, install the right product, formulate the right design, as well as raise fire safety awareness. We should hold all government agencies accountable.”

“We should make everyone in society aware of the adverse impacts of not maintaining safety standards at every level. Let us remind the people of their responsibilities,” he added.

Another case filed

Another case has been filed with Bangshal Police Station in connection with the explosion. The police filed the case as the plaintiff alleging negligence on Thursday night.

Bangshal Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Mojibur Rahman said unnamed persons had been accused in the case.