Twelve days after the devastating fire at the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ), smoke is still rising from the burned fourth floor of the seven-storied factory building, keeping workers and locals anxious.
On October 16, a massive fire broke out in the warehouses of Adams Caps and Textiles Limited and Jihong Medical Company, severely damaging the building along with machinery and goods stored inside. A total of 25 units of the Fire Service, Navy and Air Force battled the flames for nearly 17 hours before bringing the fire under control. Fire Service robotic equipment was also deployed in the operation.
However, even nearly two weeks after the fire was tamed, smoke continues to seep from the western side of the building’s fourth floor. Around 3pm on Monday (October 28), smoke was visibly rising from the structure located on Road 5 inside the EPZ. The situation remains concerning as heavy vehicles, including covered vans frequently move along the adjacent roadway.
Md Shahadat Hossain, Senior Station Officer of CEPZ Fire Station, told The Times of Bangladesh that the smoke is coming from the burnt goods that still have not been removed from inside the factory. “Smoke is released when the wind enters the building. We believe the situation is not dangerous,” he said.
But workers and security staff in nearby factories expressed ongoing fear and frustration.
“Since the day after the fire, smoke has been continuously coming out. No one is taking steps to stop it. We are living in panic,” said Shaheen Halder, a security guard stationed at a neighbouring factory.
Another worker, Mohammad Hossain, urged the authorities to ensure immediate action to completely eliminate the source of smoke.
Following the fire, both the Fire Service and BEPZA (Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority) have formed two separate five-member investigation committees to determine the cause and assess the damage.
Adams Caps and Textiles Limited manufactures towels and caps, while Jihong Medical Company produces surgical gowns. Both companies had their warehouses on the seventh floor of the building, where the fire originated and rapidly spread downward.
The lingering smoke serves as a stark reminder of the fire’s intensity and the scale of the loss. As authorities continue their investigations, local workers and residents hope for swift cleanup and safety measures to prevent further hazards. Meanwhile, questions remain about fire safety compliance in EPZ factories, and the steps needed to ensure that such a disaster does not happen again.
