The fire that broke out in Dhaka's Bangabazar Market early on Tuesday, has been brought under control after over six hours of frantic efforts.
Forty-eight firefighting units brought the fire under control at 12:36pm, according to the media cell of the Fire Service and Civil Defence.
However, the fire was seen spreading to neighboring buildings as a result of strong winds. Flames could still be observed in various locations, but it is not anything grave.
Teams of Army personnel, Bangladesh Navy, Border Guard Bangladesh, Rapid Action Battalion, and Ansar also joined in to bring the Bangabazar market fire under control.
Besides, a helicopter of the Bangladesh Air Force was used to bring the fire under control.
At least five people fell sick while trying to extinguish the massive fire. Among them, a firefighter identified as Didarul Islam is now undergoing treatment at Government Employee Hospital while four people identified as Rubel of Lakshmipur, Niloy, 22, of Feni, Ripon, 36, of Chandpur and Shaheen, 38, of Munshiganj are now taking treatment at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.
The fire broke out at the market around 6:10am and spread soon, said Anwarul Islam, warehouse inspector of Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters.
However, what caused the fire could not be known immediately.
12 people injured
At least 12 have been injured in the devastating fire in Dhaka’s Bangabazar, reports UNB.
Mohammad Russel, head of Rapid service of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, a formed for emergency response in the medical college hospital, said, “Till now there is no severe case and most of the injuries was minor.
“Twelve people came here from Bongobazar for treatment till now. Of them eight people are under observation and four people have been admitted in the wards.”
Visiting the Bangabazar area, this correspondent found that the businessmen of nearby City Plaza and other markets are shifting their products to safe zones.
Abdul Alim, who had a godown beside Bangabazar market, has shifted his products to Amar Ekushey Hall as a precaution.
He said, “As the fire broke out early in the morning, it spread very quickly because there were a few people in the market. The businessmen of Bangabazar market couldn't shift their products but we managed to save ours.”
Sumon Miya, owner of shop at Annex co. Tower, said, “I do not know what happened to my shop. I had business at Bangabazar market too.”
Fire service workers are still spraying water to douse the fire while members of law enforcement agencies are working to ensure safety.
