Restaurants at the MA Aziz stadium: A disaster in the making?
Experts call for restaurants to move after Bailey Road tragedy
Players and spectators at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chattogram are at risk of serious fires due to 24 restaurants flouting the original design of the stadium. There are no fire extinguishing systems in restaurants. The photo was taken on March 7. Photo: Mohammad Minhaj Uddin
“>
Players and spectators at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chattogram are at risk of serious fires due to 24 restaurants flouting the original design of the stadium. There are no fire extinguishing systems in restaurants. The photo was taken on March 7. Photo: Mohammad Minhaj Uddin
MA Aziz Stadium, a bustling venue in Chattogram city, is facing fire safety issues due to the presence of 23 restaurants under its gallery and adjoining areas.
The high concentration of restaurants, some using multiple gas cylinders without appropriate fire safety measures, presents a risk of a catastrophic incident, particularly a cylinder explosion.
This risk is amplified by the stadium’s proximity to important public establishments such as the Circuit House, the Naval Museum, the Regional Electricity Distribution Office and the five-star Radisson BLU hotel.
According to the National Sports Council (NSC), the Chattogram Jila Krira Sangstha (CJKS) has rented spaces under the gallery to set up restaurants, disregarding the original design of the structure.
Addressing the issue, Aslam Hossain Khan, deputy director of the National Sports Council, said, “The original design of the stadium did not include an option for setting up restaurants or shops. The CJKS rented the spaces to raise funds to meet the expenses of various sporting events.
He promised to discuss with the CJKS to effectively resolve the problem.
According to experts, the establishment of restaurants under the stadium grandstand could have catastrophic consequences, particularly in the event of a cylinder explosion.
In light of the tragic incident on Bailey Road in the capital which claimed the lives of 46 people, experts have highlighted the urgent need to relocate restaurants to avoid possible disasters.
During a recent visit to the stadium, the TBS correspondent noted three to five gas cylinders per restaurant without a fire-fighting system.
Photo: Mohammad Minhaj Uddin
“>
Photo: Mohammad Minhaj Uddin
Smoke from restaurant kitchens pollutes the stadium environment. Open windows pose safety risks to the public and athletes.
Under the east gallery, there are 10 restaurants among 20 stores spread over three floors. On the north side there are six large restaurants spread over two floors. The kitchens of two restaurants occupy the open space near the National Sports Council office in the northwest corner. Additionally, there is a two-story restaurant at the main entrance, two on the south side, and five near the gymnasium complex.
Although closed for international matches, restaurants operate during domestic matches, creating a safety risk with gas cylinders and lack of proper safety measures. Additionally, hundreds of daily visitors further increase the risk.
Md Abdul Malek, deputy director of Chattogram Fire Services and Civil Defense, stressed the need for a comprehensive fire suppression system and highlighted the lack of basic safety measures. “We have already launched an operation to check the fire safety systems in restaurants in the city and we will visit the stadium area soon,” he said.
Renowned urban engineer Subhas Barua pointed out the technical infeasibility of installing restaurants under the stadium gallery due to safety reasons. He called for the immediate removal of these establishments to avoid disastrous fires.
Regarding this, the TBS correspondent called the Chattogram Deputy Commissioner on his designated mobile number but failed to contact him.
However, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Abdul Malek said the spaces had been rented out to restaurants for a long time. “In case of irregularity or lack of fire safety measures, action will be taken in accordance with the law,” he said.
The TBS correspondent also attempted to contact CJKS general secretary AJM Nasir Uddin and treasurer Shahabuddin Jahangir over telephone for their comments. But neither answered the calls despite several attempts.
As concerns grow over the safety of the MA Aziz Stadium and its surrounding areas, experts are recommending relocating restaurants and implementing a comprehensive fire safety system at the stadium.
Related Posts
-
Eric Ripert shares his favorite NYC restaurant, where he goes to dine, and how he created the Caribbean’s most iconic food festival
-
Elgin Public House owner says he’s ready to retire, seeks buyer for his downtown restaurant/pub – Chicago Tribune
-
The new Power Lunch restaurants in New York
-
5 Notable Restaurants Made the News Recently, Here’s What You Need to Know