Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the
government’s top priority is to save lives of those still trapped under
the debris of the collapsed nine-storey building at Savar.
She made the remark in her introductory speech at a views-exchange
meeting with the grassroots level leaders and activists of Tangail district unit
of the ruling Awami League at her official Ganabhaban residence on
Thursday.
She also termed the collapse incident ‘very sad’.
The
Prime Minister said that rescue operation in such building collapse takes
time.
“Everyone should be aware of this since any hurry can lead to the
death of those still alive. You have to work with a cool head,” she
said.
She criticised the labour leaders and architects who remained busy
appearing on talk shows instead of going out to help with the rescue
operation.
After the collapse of the huge structure on Wednesday morning,
architects on television talk shows recommended the government scrutinise
immediately whether the high-rise was built complying with the building
construction codes.
They also demanded arrest of the building owner
Mohammad Sohel Rana, also a Senior Joint Convenor of Awami League’s youth front
Juba League’s Savar municipality unit.
Hasina said: “Many of the noted
architects have demanded arrest of and punishment to those responsible for the
tragedy. Arrest and punishment are more significant to them than the rescue
work.”
“Many have demanded an enquiry whether the building was
constructed by properly following the building codes. But I know that almost 90
percent buildings of the country aren’t constructed in compliance with the
building codes. If the inquiry is conducted, all of those will have to be
demolished.”
The Prime Minister urged all to assist in the rescue
operation and not keep themselves busy with talk shows.
She also
criticised those who raised allegation of slow rescue efforts. “Rescue at least
one people. Rush to the spot, have a look and assist in the salvage operation.
Engage yourself in the operation and then you can see why it takes
time.”
Hasina said soon after the incident, teams of Army, police, BGB,
RAB, Fire Service and Civil Defence had launched the rescue operation. The State
Minister for Local Government is at the scene supervising the
operation.
Every measure was being decided after discussion by a
committee there, she added.
She said when the workers were struggling for
their lives under the debris, some labour leaders were on talk shows when they
were supposed to be at the scene of the
disaster.
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