A fire broke out on Tuesday at a garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, killing at least nine people. The blaze started on the third floor of the seven-storey factory in the Mirpur area. It quickly spread to a nearby chemical warehouse storing bleaching powder, plastic, and hydrogen peroxide. Firefighters worked for nearly three hours to control the flames, but the warehouse fire continued. Rescue teams recovered bodies from the second and third floors, and officials expect the death toll to rise.
The Fire Service director, Tajul Islam Chowdhury, said the cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities are investigating whether the chemical warehouse had a valid license to operate. Early reports suggest the warehouse might have been operating illegally. Police and army forces are searching for the factory owners, who remain unidentified. The investigation will continue once the fire is fully extinguished.
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Eight firefighting units rushed to the scene to contain the fire. The garment factory employs many workers, but details about those inside at the time are unclear. One person has been injured so far, and rescue operations are ongoing. Officials warned the death toll could increase as more victims are found in the rubble. The fire severely damaged the factory and the adjacent warehouse.
Bangladesh’s garment industry faces frequent safety challenges. Poor fire and building safety standards often lead to tragic accidents. The textile sector employs about four million people and contributes over 10% to the country’s GDP. Past disasters have raised concerns over worker safety and regulatory enforcement. This fire adds to the ongoing urgency for stronger industrial safety laws.
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The government and fire department have pledged a thorough investigation. They aim to identify causes and hold responsible parties accountable. Meanwhile, the industry faces pressure to improve safety and protect workers. This tragic event highlights the risks behind Bangladesh’s vital garment sector. Officials urge swift action to prevent future disasters.