Rescue first, punishment later: PM

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.