They also called for immediate identification of unapproved, risky and old factory buildings to shift those to safer places to avoid any further mishaps.

The rally was organised by Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) in front of the National Museum in the city demanding healthy environment in industries and factories.

Dr SK Roy, convenor of environment and health programme of Bapa, said internal environment of most industries, factories and workshops is not satisfactory at all.

"Except a few, most owners are running their enterprises in smaller spaces for more profit," he said, adding that lack of fresh air and sunlight inside most of the factories is the key reason to illness of workers.

Architect Iqbal Habib said fire in industries, especially in garment factories, has become a permanent cause of death of workers for last two decades.

No significant measure has yet been taken despite hundreds of workers died due to lack of emergency exits, narrow stairs and closed gates, he noted.

Bapa leader Dr Abdul Matin stressed the need for trained workers in emergency management, access to hospitals and clinics, and availability of oxygen to minimise the casualties in the event of any accident.

He also demanded implementation of international labour laws on security and proper disposal of factory waste.

Expressing their solidarity with Bapa demands, representatives of different organisations including Green Voice, Seba, Peace, Old Dhaka Environment Development Forum, Dhaka Jagorani, Citizens Rights Movement, Sundar Jiban, and WACC attended the rally.