HC rules for compensating Bailey Road fire victim families

The High Court (HC) on Monday issued a rule, asking authorities concerned to explain as to why it shall not pass an order to give compensation to the families of the victims of a recent devastating fire on a building in the capital's Bailey Road area.

A High Court division bench of Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Md Atabullah passed the order after holding a hearing on a writ petition filed by rights bodies Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) and Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).

The court also asked why an order shall not be passed to establish anti-fire rooms and stairs in all the establishments, including factories, and why an order shall not be passed to declare conducting commercial operations in residential areas.

The High Court also asked Rajuk and Fire Service to submit reports on the loss of lives and properties in the fire incidents in high-rise buildings in 2023-24.