Firefighters successfully brought a devastating fire at the 10-storey Jamela Tower in the Babu Bazar area of Keraniganj under control around 5:03 pm today, following approximately 12 hours of frantic efforts.
The fire was reported to the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) at 5:37 am, having originated on the ground floor of the building early this morning.
A total of 21 firefighting engines from Keraniganj, Sadarghat, and Siddiq Bazar stations were deployed to contain the blaze, as confirmed by FSCD media officer Talha bin Zasim.
Firefighting efforts were severely hampered by several factors, the structure is a mixed-use building with commercial shops (garment and jhut godowns) on the lower floors and residential units above. The basement, shared by several interconnected buildings, had only two entrances. Many shops on the lower floors were locked and shuttered, slowing down access to the source of the fire. FSCD media officer Anwarul Islam reported that 45 people were rescued safely from the building, and thankfully, no casualties were reported.
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel were deployed at the site to maintain law and order, manage crowds, and ensure the smooth movement of emergency responders.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and fire service officials stated that a detailed investigation will commence after the situation is fully secured.
