DHAKA: The deadline set by the government for removing stockpiles of inflammable chemicals in factories and storehouses from the residential areas expires Tuesday, with no compliance in sight so far.  

However, Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA) claimed that the cleansing work has begun.

But their claim does not stand a close scrutiny, as the banglanews24.com.bd investigative reporter did not find any sign in the densely populated old part of Dhaka Monday, especially in the fire-ravaged Nimtoli area.

In the Nimtoli locality, a devastating fire originated from a kitchen stove, fed on chemicals nearby and erupted into a conflagration that left some 123 dead and many wounded.  

Different chemical stores and storehouses were seen trading alike the past.

The government issued a notice stating that not all the chemical stocks should be removed but some specifics. The Department for Explosives Control has listed 20 types of chemicals, asking the traders to remove those from residential areas.  

Against this backdrop, the Ministry of Industries will sit for a stocktaking joint meeting Tuesday with Industries Minister Dilip Barua in the chair.

The meeting is set for reviewing the progress in removing the stocks of dangerous chemicals. The Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka and business representatives are scheduled to attend the meeting.

However, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has recommended that the deadline be extended by another month.

The government had asked businessmen to remove inflammable chemical stores from the residential areas by August 17. The businessmen in response demanded a special industrial zone.  

The DCCI in a press release issued Monday said: “It is not realistic to remove the chemicals trade from the old part of the city within such a short span of time. It should be done as per proper plan and coordination of the concerned.

“In view of the month of Ramadan, we recommend extending deadline for the removal up to September 17.”

BPGMEA president Shahedul Islam told banglanews24.com.bd that the work for removal of 20 types of chemicals listed by the Department for Explosives Control has begun. “But it is not possible overnight--it takes time,” he said.

When contacted, Industries Minister Dilip Barua said the joint-meeting Tuesday will evaluate how far the government instructions have been executed.

“But we will not compromise on removal of stocks of 20 types of inflammable chemicals,” he said.

The banglanews24.com.bd staff writer visited Agasadek Road, Agamasih Lane, Kazi Alauddin Road and other parts of the old Dhaka and spoke to the traders over the issue. Most of the traders said they did not know about any government instruction for relocating.

A businessman of Rexin Zone at Kazi Alauddin Road, Shafiqul Islam, said he was unaware about any deadline for shifting his business from the residential area.

Earlier, the government fixed August 17 as the deadline for removing these storehouses wherein lie stormed high risks of mishaps such as the Nimtoli inferno.   

BDST 1825 HRS, AUGUST 16, 2010.