At least 16 people have died in a devastating fire that broke out at a garment factory and chemical warehouse in the Shialbari area of Mirpur, Dhaka. Authorities fear the death toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue.
The fire started around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, engulfing the Anwar Fashion garment factory housed in a four-storey building and an adjacent tin-shed chemical warehouse.
According to Fire Service media official Talha Bin Jasim, nine bodies were initially recovered from inside the factory. By 7:15 p.m., the number of confirmed deaths had climbed to 16.
Lt. Col. Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Director (Operation & Maintenance) of the Fire Service, told reporters at the scene,
“The search operation is ongoing. The chemical warehouse is still burning, and the situation remains extremely dangerous. No one is being allowed to enter that zone. We’re using advanced equipment and drones to conduct the operation.”
While the origin of the fire remains unknown, officials said the initial flames were spotted at the factory’s wash unit on the ground floor, which then spread to the chemical warehouse. Witnesses reported hearing loud explosions as the flames intensified and rapidly engulfed the entire building.
Fire Service officials said the warehouse contained bleaching powder, plastic, and hydrogen peroxide—materials known to accelerate and intensify fires.
Adding to the tragedy, the owner and staff of the chemical warehouse remain untraceable, raising suspicions about its legality.
“It appears the warehouse had no approval,” Tajul Islam said. “A full investigation will confirm the details.”
In response to the incident, Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the families of the victims.
“This loss of innocent lives is heartbreaking. We stand with their families in this moment of grief,” he said in a condolence message, also directing authorities to investigate the cause and provide immediate assistance to those affected.
Search operations are still underway as fire officials work to fully extinguish the blaze and recover any remaining victims.
