POBNEWS24, Dhaka, Apr 4, 2023: The fire fighters are struggling to douse the devastating fire that broke out in city’s Bangabazar area this morning as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is coordinating the overall situation.
“A total of 50 fire fighting units are in action to put out the fire,” said Rakibul Hasan, duty officer of the Fire Services and Civil Defense control room.
A joint support team of Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force is also working to control the fire in the Bangabazar, said Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
An air force helicopter also joined the effort of containing the blaze, it said.
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel, Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and local people, as well, are working to bring the fire under control.
The fire units are collecting water from a Dhaka University pond to avoid water crisis to douse the fire.
The fire men however have not been able to bring the fire under control for the last over six hours since the start of inferno around 6.10am.
Our medical correspondent said some 12 people including four fire fighters were reportedly injured as six are in critical condition.
Among the injured, one was admitted to Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery and others to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).
A few businessmen of Bangabazar were seen at the spot as traffic movement near the spot is being hampered.
Media reports said at least four thousands shops of Bangabazar were burnt into ashes in the fire.
“The fire damaged valuables of around Taka 40 lakh as my two shops-Janata Sharee House and Janata Garments-were totally burnt”, said Jamal Khan, a Bangabazar businessman.
Media reports also said the fire might originate from the electric short circuit, engulfing shops of nearby Phulbaria Islamia markets and other buildings.
The rescue teams are deployed to evacuate people and goods from the nearby households.
