Dhaka, March 01, 2024, The Europe Today: A massive fire engulfed a six-storey building in the capital city of Bangladesh, Dhaka, late on Thursday, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 43 lives and leaving dozens injured, as confirmed by the country’s Health Minister, Samanta Lal Sen.
The fire, believed to have originated in a restaurant within the building, swiftly escalated to other floors, creating a life-threatening situation for the occupants. Health Minister Sen, who visited the Dhaka Medical College Hospital where victims were being treated, stated that 22 individuals with severe burn wounds are currently in critical condition.
The blaze, which took two hours to bring under control, presented a formidable challenge for the 13 firefighting units that responded promptly to the emergency. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, with authorities conducting investigations to determine the origin and circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Survivor accounts, such as that of Mohammad Altaf, reveal the harrowing experiences of those caught in the inferno. Altaf described the heroic efforts of his colleagues in evacuating people before succumbing to the flames himself. His escape through a broken window highlights the desperate measures taken by individuals to survive.
Firefighters, employing a crane, conducted daring rescue operations to evacuate people trapped within the charred building. Brigadier General Main Uddin, the Director of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence, expressed concerns over potential gas leaks or stove-related incidents as a possible cause for the fire. He emphasized the hazardous conditions within the building, citing the presence of gas cylinders on various floors, including staircases.
While Bangladesh has made strides in improving safety standards within the garment sector, largely due to international scrutiny and collaboration with major clothing retailers, this tragic incident underscores the persistent challenges in other industries. The country’s booming domestic economy has witnessed numerous fire-related casualties in recent years, often attributed to inadequate safety measures in construction and maintenance of buildings.
The densely populated Dhaka, experiencing a construction boom, has faced recurring incidents of fires and explosions due to faulty gas cylinders, air conditioners, and substandard electrical wiring. As the nation mourns the loss of lives in this recent tragedy, calls for heightened safety measures and stricter regulations to prevent such incidents in the future have gained momentum.
