Investigation Launched into Fire at Bangladesh Secretariat Building Under Home Secretary's Leadership
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Dhaka, Dec 26 (NationPress) A high-level committee, led by the Home Secretary, is set to investigate the significant fire incident that occurred in the eight-story building of the Bangladeshi government's secretariat, a crucial administrative center in the capital, Dhaka, early Thursday.
Officials reported that 19 fire engines were deployed to combat the blaze that ignited overnight in building No. 7 of the complex.
The fire released thick black smoke into the sky, which was detectable from several kilometers away, particularly from locations on the eastern side of the building.
Firefighting teams from the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with personnel from the Border Guard Bangladesh and the Rapid Action Battalion, arrived on the scene to extinguish the fire, which was brought under control around 8 am after over six hours of intense efforts.
Muhammad Jahed Kamal, the Director General of the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence, informed journalists that the extensive fire caused substantial damage to the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth floors of the building as flames traveled swiftly along the electrical lines.
He noted that firefighters entered various rooms within the building to ensure the fire was completely extinguished, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"We cannot immediately verify the cause of the fire until we receive a report from the investigation committee," Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the Home Advisor of the Bangladeshi interim government, stated on Thursday.
"Instructions have been issued for the establishment of a high-powered investigation committee," the advisor added.
In the meantime, the interim government has indicated that the full extent of the damage caused by the fire remains unknown, and Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has ordered the formation of a ministry-based investigation committee to assess the damage and determine the fire's cause.
According to Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the investigation committee is expected to submit its preliminary report within three days.
Hasan confirmed that the Home Secretary will be at the helm of the committee.
