Keraniganj Multi-Storey Building Fire Rages for Over 12 Hours; Access and Flammable Materials Hamper Efforts

A massive fire that erupted in the basement of the Jabale Noor Tower in the Aganagar area of Keraniganj, on the outskirts of Dhaka, has remained uncontrolled for over 12 hours since it started around 5:30 am on Saturday.

Twenty firefighting units from Keraniganj, Sadarghat, and Siddique Bazar stations are engaged in the ongoing operation, according to Fire Service media officer Shahjahan Sikder.

The fire originated in the basement of the complex, which houses a number of shops and scrap textile warehouses. The complex is described as "very complicated," consisting of seven separate buildings sharing a single, large basement, with residential apartments on the upper floors.

Large piles of scrap textile and other highly flammable materials in the basement and lower floors have significantly prolonged and complicated the operation.3

Officials highlighted the extremely challenging access, noting only two entry points to the basement.4 Firefighters have frequently had to cut open locks and shutters of shops to reach the flames.

Specialized units, including breathing apparatus and hazardous materials teams, were deployed due to the heavy smoke.

At least 42 people were evacuated from the building in the morning. Three additional people who were trapped inside were rescued later in the day and were reported to be in good condition. There are no immediate reports of casualties.

The Fire Service received the first call at 5:37 am, with the initial unit arriving within eight minutes. Efforts to tame the fire were still underway as of 3:30 pm.