Describing deaths by fire as deaths due to negligence, architect Iqbal Habib stressed that the Chawkbazar fire was not the only fire incident after Nimtoli. Role of civil society in questionSpeakers at the program also criticized civil society for their role after the Chawkbazar fire, saying they should have come up with a specific plan to pressure the government into implementing the Nimtoli fire recommendations. Meanwhile, Iqbal Habib said a shortage of manpower for research and lack of financial stability was preventing civil society from being effective. “Unfortunately, the civil society of our country has failed to maintain an impartial image. Civil society platforms seem to be influenced by the government or other political parties,” he added.

Source: Dhaka Tribune March 16, 2019 17:26 UTC