Even years after two deadly fires claimed around 200 lives in Old Dhaka, hazardous chemical warehouses and factories continue to operate in residential neighbourhoods, as initiatives to relocate them to industrial estates have faltered due to delays in project implementation.

The government crackdown on illegal chemical warehouses in Old Dhaka has already invited severe backlash and protests by local traders as drives against these establishments—prompted by the deadly Chawkbazar fire last month—have continued.