Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Md Tajul Islam on Thursday warned that If rules including those related to fire safety are violated at the time of construction of any kind of infrastructure, then the responsible people will be brought to book.

“In that case, the engineer, architect or owner of the building whose negligence will be found behind  fire incidents must be brought under punishment, “Taijul Islam said.

The minister made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a  dialogue titled "Causes of repeated fire accidents: steps to prevent" organized by Nagar Unnayan Sangbadik Forum at the Jatiya Press Club.

He said that there is no alternative to follow all the rules and regulations properly at the time of building infrastructures to prevent fire accidents.

For this, an area should have enough roads, reservoirs and open space, he said.

"People's awareness is also important to prevent fire accidents alongside  proper coordination among government agencies. If everyone performs their duties, we will be able to prevent fire accidents," he said.

The population of the city and the facilities for them should be determined to build a livable Dhaka, the minister said. "Due to excessive population pressure and inadequate civic facilities, Dhaka city is falling in terms of livability."

The minister stressed on regular drills and training to prevent fire accidents.

He also emphasized on increasing citizens’ awareness to prevent fire accidents from cigarette fire.

He called for building a social movement from the beginning to prevent fire accidents rather than regretting for the loss of lives and property in the fire.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Chief Executive Officer Md Mizanur Rahman, Dhaka Wasa Chief Engineer Kamrul Hasan, Fire Service and Civil Defence Director Lt Gen (retd) Md Abul Kalam Azad were,among others, present as sat the programme.