Yesterday, 25 November (Tuesday) at around 11:30 PM, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman visited the areas of Karail slum in Dhaka, which have been severely affected by a devastating fire. Arriving late at night, he spoke with the affected families, inquired about their condition, and was informed about the overall losses and damages.

Accompanying the Jamaat Ameer were Dr. S.M. Khaliduzzaman, President of Dhaka City North Medical Thana and Jamaat-nominated parliamentary candidate for Dhaka-17, Jamaat Ameer’s personal assistant Mr. Nazrul Islam, local leaders, and numerous party workers and supporters.

During the visit, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that in a matter of moments, the fire destroyed the homes, livelihoods, and meager savings of countless low-income families. These families are now left destitute, facing severe humanitarian crises. Although no lives were lost, but the fact that such a large number of people lost their shelter is an extremely painful and heart-wrenching situation. Witnessing the victims’ cries, fear, and uncertainty has deeply saddened us.

As immediate relief, the Ameer distributed two blankets and some food items to each affected family. Expressing deep sympathy for the affected, he said that from a humanitarian responsibility, they would stand by the families and strive to provide necessary assistance, Insha’Allah.

He further emphasized that it is primarily the government’s duty to provide immediate help and support to people in various disasters or accidents. It is now essential to urgently provide all fire-affected individuals with safe shelter, food, water, medical care, clothing, and long-term rehabilitation. He expressed hope that the government, various NGOs, charitable organizations, and members of society will come forward to alleviate the suffering of the affected.

Noting that slum dwellers are generally low-income working people, the Ameer said that the government should investigate why fires repeatedly occur in such densely populated areas and whether any elements of sabotage or malicious activity are involved or not. If anyone is found responsible, he called upon for taking legal action against them.