Business leaders have urged the government to ensure equal tariff facilities on the import of fire safety equipment in every sector, similar the apparel industry.
They came up with the call at the first meeting of the FBCCI Standing Committee on Fire Safety and Security, Disaster and Explosion held at the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) on Sunday afternoon, according to a press release.
They said the government has only allowed the garment sector to import fire safety equipment at reduced rates.
As workers in all sectors have equal rights to safety and security, therefore, there should be no such discrimination in the tariff rate, they said.
Standing Committee Chairman Md Niaz Ali Chisty said it is important for factories in all sectors to have fire protection systems to ensure safe industrialisation in the country.
But unlike the garment industry, other industrialists have to bear the heavy tax burden of importing the much-needed equipment, he said.
Due to the high tax rate, it is often not possible for small and medium entrepreneurs to take adequate fire protection measures, he added.
Speaking as the chief guest at the meeting, FBCCI Vice-President Md Amin Helaly urged the standing committee to prepare an action plan to ensure fire safety in the factory.
He also recommended starting sector-based training by preparing a manual.
At the same time, the vice-president urged the importers to take initiative to manufacture fire safety equipment locally.
Abu Motaleb, director-in-charge of the committee, said there could be various reasons behind the fire at the factories, but first of all, the owner is to be blamed.
He said the standing committee will soon submit a policy to the FBCCI, identifying the problems and action plan to ensure fire safety in the factories.
However, a sub-committee was also formed at the meeting to formulate the policy.
During the meeting, Brig Gen (retd) Abu Nayeem Md Shahidullah, adviser to FBCCI's Safety Council, said the apex trade body has already contacted ILO (International Labour Organization) to start safety training in the industries.
The government is also considering setting up a national level one-stop service in order to provide all fire safety certificates and permits, he added.
