What Happened in the Dhaka Garment Factory Fire?
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Synopsis
A devastating fire in a garment factory and chemical store in Dhaka has claimed at least nine lives, with many others injured. This tragic incident highlights the urgent safety concerns surrounding unregulated facilities. Read on to learn more about the ongoing investigation and the risks involved in Bangladesh's industrial sector.
Key Takeaways
- At least nine fatalities reported due to the fire.
- Fire erupted in a building with a chemical godown and a garment factory.
- Three injured individuals are receiving treatment.
- Authorities are conducting an investigation into the incident.
- Strict safety regulations need to be enforced in Bangladesh's industrial sector.
Dhaka, Oct 14 (NationPress) Tragically, at least nine individuals lost their lives and numerous others sustained injuries on Tuesday due to a fire that broke out in a structure accommodating a chemical store and a garment factory in the Shialbari locality of Mirpur, situated in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, as reported by local media.
According to Lt Colonel Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Director (Operations and Maintenance) of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, the bodies of nine victims have been recovered to date, as shared by the United News of Bangladesh (UNB). He remarked, "The search operation is ongoing."
Chowdhury indicated that the victims likely succumbed after inhaling toxic gases resulting from a chemical explosion. He added, "The precise cause will be determined following an investigation."
He also warned that the site remains highly hazardous as the fire at the chemical store has not yet been extinguished, and access to the factory is strictly prohibited. He urged everyone to maintain a distance of at least 300 yards from the fire's location.
Talha Bin Jashim, a representative from the Fire Service and Civil Defence media team, stated that the fire ignited around 11:40 am (local time) and rapidly spread throughout the building. Upon being notified, seven firefighting units were deployed to the scene to combat the flames.
In a related incident, three individuals - Mamun (35), Sohel (32), and Suruj (30) - were transported to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery for treatment. Dr. Shaon Bin Rahman, the resident surgeon at the facility, reported that they were rescued while unconscious and were immediately admitted to the emergency unit.
Earlier, on Sunday, at least seven workers suffered burn injuries in an explosion and fire at an unlicensed battery recycling facility in Narsingdi, as reported by The Daily Star. Mohammad Emdadul Haque, officer-in-charge of the Narsingdi Sadar Police Station, noted that the incident occurred at an unauthorized lead-extraction factory in the Panchdona area at 10 am (local time). Locals indicated that the factory had been operating without proper authorization for an extended period.
Point of View
This incident underscores the critical necessity for stringent safety regulations in Bangladesh's industrial sector. The loss of lives due to negligence in safety protocols is unacceptable, and it is imperative for authorities to take immediate action to prevent future tragedies.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire in the Dhaka garment factory?
The fire is believed to have been caused by a chemical explosion, leading to the inhalation of toxic gases by the victims.
How many people were affected by the fire?
At least nine individuals lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries.
What safety measures are in place for factories in Bangladesh?
Safety regulations exist; however, enforcement is often lax, particularly in unauthorized facilities.
Where are the injured individuals being treated?
The injured are receiving treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
What actions are being taken following the incident?
An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire and to assess the safety protocols of the facility.
