Now, who’s to be held responsible for the oversight in not preventing the Bangabazar fire? The designated city corporation? Or the market authorities?

Just one bystander can cause enough distraction to move the focus from the real situation on hand—which is to stabilise the emergency situation and save lives. So, who is responsible?

A cheap solution has been around for decades

Dhaka University (DU) student Nur Nabi, who suffered critical injuries in the March 5 blast at Science Laboratory area, died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital this afternoon.

Another victim of the explosion at a market near the capital's Science Lab intersection died today, taking the death toll from the blast to five.

The smart thing to do in a planned smart city is to routinely intervene and monitor.

The recent incidents are similar to other cases seen over the years. The causes were electric short circuit, accumulation of gas in a confined space, and poorly maintained air conditioning units

But when there is a leak and gas accumulates inside a closed space or room, it is akin to a ticking time-bomb. And when that accumulated gas comes in contact with a spark from an electric short-circuit or when someone lights a matchstick, an explosion rips through the room.

"Four units of firefighters rushed there on information around 10:50am, the fire was brought under control around 11:15am"

"Four units of firefighters rushed there on information around 10:50am, the fire was brought under control around 11:15am"