Fire at Shialbari Mirpur, Dhaka chemical godown under control

Fire at Shialbari Chemical Godown, Mirpur, Dhaka. Photo- Md. Rakibul Hasan-UNB

Dhaka, Oct 15 — Although the fire at a chemical godown in Mirpur’s Rupnagar residential area has been brought under control, authorities said search operations inside the damaged Godwon may take another 36 hours.

Fire Service and Civil Defence Director (Maintenance) Lt Col Mohammad Tajul Islam shared the information at a press briefing near the fire incident site on Wednesday afternoon.

He said the rescue operation again began on Wednesday at 11:40 am and the blaze was brought under control around 2:20 pm.

Regarding the search operation, he said, “At first glance, the building appears to be severely damaged, and any operation inside poses significant risks. To avoid further danger, we are proceeding step by step with necessary protection. That is why the search operation may require 36 to 72 hours.”

The chemical warehouse, identified as Alam Enterprise, sustained extensive damage, though the extent will be determined after inspections by Rajuk authorities.

He added that as the main gate of Alam Traders was locked, initial assumptions suggest no one is trapped.

Lt Col Tajul Islam further said, “We started our operation around 11:40 am yesterday (Tuesday). The fire in the garments section was brought under control yesterday, while the blaze at the chemical godown—known as Alam Traders—was declared under control today at 2:20 pm.”

The Fire Service official confirmed that the chemical warehouse was illegal. “This godown, listed under Shah Alam Traders, was among the illegal establishments identified by the Fire Service. We had informed relevant agencies and issued three separate notices. The warehouse was at the stage of facing an enforcement drive,” he added. - UNB