Growing Fire Incidents in Bangladesh: An Urgent Call for Health Policy Makers

Abstract

Bangladesh has been experiencing an increasing number of fire incidents in recent years, causing significant damage to residential houses, business establishments, and factories. The recent fire outbreak in Banga Bazar, a prominent clothing market, resulted in the loss of almost 50,000 jobs and caused an economic loss of over 700 crore taka (65 million USD). Despite the absence of fatalities, the fire's impact on people's mental health and the country's economy is significant. The main causes of these incidents are the crowded population, low safety standards in factories and industries, poorly constructed buildings, and the lack of adequate fire safety precautions. The public's lack of knowledge and instruction on fire safety is also a significant concern. The government and public authorities need to take prompt action to prevent such incidents, including stricter safety regulations, the installation of appropriate fire safety equipment, and more significant public awareness campaigns. Additionally, steps must be taken to ensure the mental wellbeing of fire-affected people and firefighters who are often traumatized by witnessing the destruction of such events.