Don’t construct on water bodies: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged people to refrain from building concrete structures filling up water bodies.

The appeal comes a day after a high-rise collapsed at Savar killing over 180.

She said buildings constructed over water bodies were vulnerable and hazardous and would collapse easily.

“Those who make buildings filling up ponds or canals should be aware of the strength of the soil,” Hasina said.

She said both the collapsed Rana Plaza and Spectrum Garments -- another building which collapsed in the same area killing at least 85 people in 2005 -- were standing over what was once a canal.

The Prime Minister also suggested building owners should check the structure of the whole building and even water, gas and electricity connections after even a minor earthquake.

She was addressing grass-root level leaders and activists of her party’s Tangail unit at the Ganabhaban on Thursday morning.

On the on-going rescue operation in Savar, Hasina said, “As many could be still trapped alive beneath the debris, rescue efforts cannot be carried out hastily. We need to be careful or else we will cause more harm.”

She claimed her government responded immediately to the crisis and launched the rescue operation.