Probe if BNP-Jamaat behind recent fires to cripple economy: PM Hasina

Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina on Saturday asked the authorities concerned to investigate whether the opposition BNP and Jamaat, who had unleashed a campaign of terror and arson attacks during 2013-14, are involved in the recent fire incidents in the country.

"It should be investigated whether they (BNP-Jamaat) are taking a different path by causing incidents like fire and crippling the economy," she said.

The prime minister said this while speaking at the Awami League Local Government Nomination Board meeting held at her official residence Ganabhaban.

Her call came even as another massive fire broke out in Dhaka's New Super Market gutting scores of shops early Saturday.

Hasina, also the president of Awami League, asked to investigate whether the fire incidents in various markets were conspiracy or sabotage to hurt the economy.

She asked to increase surveillance in important markets across the country.

"Everyone should be more aware. Everyone has to make arrangements on their own initiative to guard (their establishments). All efforts by the government will continue," she said.

She also said that unwanted crowds must not be allowed to gather during the firefighters' battle to control the blaze and strict action will be taken in case of any obstruction regarding this matter.

The PM said that when the first fire incident occurred it was thought to be an accident.

"But after a couple of other fire incidents at the same time as the first one… the fire incidents are taking place after 6am. Surveillance should be increased and other markets have to remain alert," she said.

She also mentioned that it has been noticed that when the fire service comes they face obstacles by some people.

"Why will they face obstacles while they tried to douse the fire some people with sticks and blunt instruments attacked the firefighters. Who are these people?" she wondered.

She said that a careful study of the four recent fire incidents at shopping malls in the city suggests these have been either planned or manipulated.

"We know that some political parties are there to wage movement after Eid, cripple the economy and oust the government. Yes, you can oust the government, but what are the faults of these common people and businessmen," she asked.