Dhaka: Following the Chawkbazar devastating fire that claimed the lives of 69 people, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) on Thursday launched a drive to remove chemical warehouses from the old part of the capital.

A special taskforce constituted in this regard severed gas, water and electricity connections to warehouses in Islambagh and Shahidnagar areas during the drive, reports the UNB.

DSCC Chief Executive Officer Mostafizur Rahman, its Secretary Md Mostafa Kamal and other officials were present during the drive.

The warehouse owners were asked to shift their goods elsewhere within Saturday, warning that legal action will be taken against them if they fail to do so.

The utility services will be restored if chemicals are shifted by the deadline, said DSCC sources.

Representatives of Fire Service and Civil Defence, Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd, Department of Explosives, officer-in-charge of local police station, Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority and Dhaka Power Distribution Company were present.