A massive fire that engulfed a factory building in the Chittagong Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) has revealed serious lapses in fire safety compliance, including the absence of a fire safety certificate and an expired fire licence.
According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence, the factory authorities had applied for a fire safety certificate, but the inspection and approval process were not completed.
Additionally, the building did not comply with national building codes, said Lt Col Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, director (operations and maintenance) of the fire service.
The fire broke out around 2:30pm on Thursday on the seventh floor of an eight-storey building and was brought under control at 7:25am Friday, after more than 17 hours of continuous efforts by 25 units from the Fire Service and four units from the Bangladesh Navy.
As of Friday afternoon, black smoke was still seen rising from the site.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.
“The building was used for multiple purposes, including warehouses on four floors where doctors’ gowns were produced. Flammable materials inside and limited access on both sides of the building made the operation extremely difficult,” said Lt Col Tajul Islam Chowdhury.
The official added that although a fire safety plan had been submitted for the building, no inspection took place prior to the incident.
Authorities have now declared the building structurally unsafe. Its columns and framework have reportedly weakened due to the fire’s intensity. Warning banners are being placed, and a structural survey will determine whether the building needs to be demolished.
The fire initially erupted on the seventh floor, believed to be a warehouse used by Adams Caps and Textile Ltd and Jihong Medical Company, where items such as towels, caps, and surgical gowns were manufactured. The eighth floor was vacant at the time.
Despite rainfall around 10pm Thursday, the flames continued to rage, causing partial collapses of the building. The fire’s intensity impacted surrounding areas as well. Army, Navy, and Border Guard Bangladesh teams joined the response but were initially overwhelmed.
As of Friday morning, 17 fire units remained on-site, with officials stating that full extinguishment would take more time. Separate investigation committees have been formed by both the Fire Service and EPZ authorities to probe the incident.
Lt Col Tajul Islam Chowdhury urged that all buildings in the EPZ be urgently upgraded to meet safety standards and obtain proper operational certificates.
“These kinds of incidents not only cause financial loss to factory owners but also damage the country’s reputation and economy,” he warned.
“Dry season fires can spread fast. Everyone must be trained and compliant with safety protocols,” he added.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities said findings will be disclosed once investigation reports are submitted.
