The authority of the Bailey Road building, where 46 lives were lost in a devastating fire did not take any fire safety measures despite being warned thrice, said Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General Brigadier General Md Main Uddin.
"There was no fire extinguishing system in the Green Cozy Cottage Shopping Mall on Bailey Road. There was only a small staircase for people to use. Despite receiving three notices, the building authority did not take any measure," he said while speaking to reporters after visiting the spot at 12:30pm on Friday (1 March).
“With the exception of a few restaurants, most establishments within the building lacked fire extinguishers,” said Security Services Division Secretary Abdullah Al Masud Chowdhury after visiting the fire-ravaged building.
"An investigation committee will ascertain the individuals responsible for this incident,” he added.
A massive fire broke out in a commercial building on Bailey Road, primarily housing restaurants, around 10:30 pm on Thursday (29 February).
Firefighters managed to bring the flames under control by approximately 12am.
The fire service has established a five-member investigation committee over the incident.