7-member high-powered committee formed to probe secretariat fire

The government has formed a seven-member high-powered committee to investigate the fire that broke out in building No. 7 of the Secretariat here in the early hours of today.

The committee, led by Mohammad Khaled Rahim, additional secretary (district and field administration) of the Cabinet Division, has been entrusted with finding out the cause behind the blaze and assessing the damage, according to an office order of the Cabinet Division.

The committee has been asked to submit its report within seven working days, detailing findings and recommendations to prevent such incidents in the future.

The other members of the committee include a representative (not below the rank of joint secretary) each from the Department of Public Safety, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Local Government Division, and a representative of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, who will serve as the member-secretary, and each representative from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and Fire Service and Civil Defence Department.

As per the order, the committee may co-opt one or more members if necessary. 

The committee will find out whether there is any personal or professional responsibility behind the fire accident or not.

The fire broke out in building No. 7 at the Secretariat here around 1:52 am today.

The fire was completely doused by 11:45 am.