Because of the serious threat that fire occurrences pose to Bangladesh's real estate industry, there is an urgent need to improve fire safety procedures and promote cooperation among stakeholders. Despite the fact that fire mishaps are occurring more frequently, there is a worrisome propensity to normalize and overlook their severe repercussions. It is essential for the real estate sector to give fire safety concerns a top priority and take prompt action to avoid such tragedies.

Fire events in Bangladesh: 

From the Nimtoli fire in 2010 to more recent explosions in Gulistan and Science Laboratory Dhaka in March 2023, Bangladesh has been afflicted by terrible fire incidents on a regular basis. The fire that burned 2,000 dwellings in the Rohingya camps and the fire that destroyed the oxygen plant in Chattogram also serve to emphasize how serious the issue is. However, the public outcry over these instances frequently passes swiftly and fades from recollection.

The Desensitization Effect:

The desensitization effect is caused by the frequent occurrence of fire incidents, which has led to a troubling propensity for people to overlook their significance. It is difficult to preserve a common awareness of these catastrophes since the quest for justice and recompense is overwhelmed by the following events. As a result, the lost lives are merely statistics that are frequently forgotten. This cycle of desensitization must be broken in order to give fire occurrences the attention they require.

Reviving Fire Safety Measures in the Real Estate Sector: 

For the real estate sector to review its strategy, it is essential to understand the underlying causes of recurrent fire occurrences. Particularly in older places like Old Dhaka, inadequate fire safety measures considerably contribute to the high accident rate. To remedy this, the sector as a whole needs to implement strict fire safety laws. Sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and smoke detectors should all be installed in every structure, including residential and commercial buildings. To guarantee the effectiveness of these safety measures, routine upkeep, and inspections are necessary.

Role of the Government: 

More than just individual property owners, the government and relevant authorities must actively participate in preventing fire accidents. Strict fire safety requirements should be enforced and monitored by the government to make sure that all buildings are in compliance. Property owners should receive adequate financial assistance and resources to make it easier for them to install and maintain fire safety systems. Property owners should be held responsible for non-compliance by conducting routine inspections to find and correct any issues.

Private Sector Collaboration and Civil Society Engagement:

Fire safety must be given top priority by the real estate industry, including building developers, property owners, and contractors, during the building and upkeep of properties. Any real estate project must include compliance with fire safety laws as a non-negotiable requirement. By promoting stricter fire safety regulations, encouraging property owners to take responsibility for their properties, and supporting measures to improve fire safety infrastructure and emergency response services, civil society can play a significant role.

Increasing Public Awareness:

A key factor in lowering the number of fire incidents is educating the public about fire safety precautions. In Bangladesh, a large number of people are unaware of fire safety practices, leaving them open to danger. Promoting public awareness initiatives that instruct people on how to use fire extinguishers, evacuate, and spot fires before they spread can make a big difference in prevention efforts. To acquaint people with fire drills and key procedures, regular training programs should be held at residences, workplaces, and educational institutions.

Enhancing Emergency Response in the Real Estate Sector:

Increasing emergency response capabilities must be a top priority for the real estate industry. It is essential to allot enough money and resources for training firefighters and providing them with cutting-edge equipment. It is equally crucial to guarantee that there are immediately available and well-maintained fire vehicles, ambulances, and other emergency supplies. To offer fair protection for everyone, emergency response services should be available outside of major cities and into outlying locations.