Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Friday directed the authorities concerned to provide best treatment to the people who survived Thursday night’s old-Dhaka inferno with severe burns.

While visiting the injured at Dhaka Medical College Hospital in the morning after the nightmare that left at least 120 people dead, she assured providing the injured with all kinds of treatment facilities, including plastic surgery.

Praying salvation of the departed souls of the fire victims, the PM informed that Tk 20,000 would be given to the family of each of the victims for funerals on behalf of the government.

She also informed that the authorities concerned have been asked to extend all necessary assistance to the affected people.

The premier went to the DMCH at about 10:50am and visited the burn-injured people admitted into the Burn Unit, ICU and different wards on the fourth floor. She enquired about the treatment of the injured and asked the physicians to ensure better treatment of all.

Among others, Health Minister AFM Ruhal Haque, former Home Minister Mohammad Nasim, Inspector-General of Police Nur Mohammad, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner AKM Shahidul Haque and high officials accompanied the Prime Minster.

Overwhelmed by the worst fire tragedy in Bangladesh in living memory, Sheikh Hasina told journalists,” After the happening of the incident, I prayed whole night for the people.”

As the photojournalists gathered to take photographs of the PM, she said: “Let me ensure the safety of the injured. It is important to save the injured than taking photos.”  

At least 120 people burned to death and more than 150 sustained burn injuries as a devastating fire gutted several buildings in the densely-populated Nimtali area of the capital city’s old part on Thursday night.
 
The Prime Minister declared Saturday National Mourn Day as people never ever before experienced such an unfortunate incident.   

BDST: 12:54 Hrs, June 4, 2010.
SRR/AHS/MS/LY/MUA