Bangladesh building fire kills 45, injures dozens

Firefighters spray water to douse a fire that broke out in a multi-storey building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 29, 2024.

A devastating fire swept through a six-storey building housing restaurants in Bangladesh, claiming the lives of at least 45 people and leaving dozens injured, according to the health minister's statement on Friday. The blaze, believed to have started in a biryani restaurant in the capital, Dhaka, possibly due to a gas leak or stove malfunction, quickly engulfed the structure. It took the efforts of 13 firefighting units over two hours to contain the inferno.

Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen reported that hospitals are currently treating 22 individuals with severe burn injuries, all in critical condition, following the tragic incident. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her shock and grief, directing officials to ensure prompt medical care for the wounded.

Firefighters operate after a fire broke out in a multi-storey building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 29, 2024

Survivor Mohammad Altaf shared his harrowing escape, recounting how he broke a window in the kitchen to flee the flames. Tragically, two of his colleagues lost their lives in the blaze. Firefighters utilized cranes to rescue trapped individuals from the building, while efforts to clear debris and extinguish remaining embers continued.

The fire's origins, possibly stemming from a gas leak or faulty stove, raise concerns about safety measures in the building. Brigadier General Main Uddin, a senior fire service official, highlighted the perilous conditions within the structure, including the presence of gas cylinders on every floor and inadequate emergency exits.

A government-appointed panel has been formed to investigate the incident, amid criticism from the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which decried the lack of accountability and rule of law contributing to such disasters.

Firefighters rescue people from the roof after a fire broke out in a multi-storey building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 29, 2024.

While scrutiny in the garment sector has led to improvements in safety following past tragedies, other industries, particularly those catering to the domestic market, continue to witness deadly incidents. Dhaka's dense urban landscape, characterized by rapid development and insufficient safety measures, has made fires distressingly common, often resulting from faulty equipment and poor infrastructure.