Massive Fire at CEPZ Factory in Chattogram Remains Uncontrolled Even After 10 Hours
A fire that broke out at a factory in the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) has not been brought under control even after 10 hours. A total of 15 units from CEPZ, Bandar, KEPZ, and Agrabad fire stations, along with four units from the Navy and Air Force, have been working to extinguish the fire. Later, two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) also joined the operation.
As of midnight on Thursday, the blaze at the seven-story building in the Chattogram EPZ area remained uncontained. The fire started at 2:10 PM on Thursday and continued to burn for over 10 hours. Heavy rainfall around 11 PM created an opportunity to control the blaze. Firefighters attempted to get closer to the flames as the heat slightly subsided, but their efforts were unsuccessful. As of midnight, the building — housing factories and warehouses of two companies — was still engulfed in flames.
Abdus Subahan, Executive Director of the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ), stated that the fire broke out in the warehouses of Adams Caps and Textile Ltd and Zhihong Medical Company around 2 PM. Adams manufactures towels and caps, while Zhihong produces surgical gowns.
Jasim Uddin, Deputy Director of the Fire Service, said, “Our rescue workers have been working continuously for more than 10 hours. Many have fallen ill, and some are exhausted. Still, we are doing our utmost to protect the surrounding buildings.”
He added, “There were flammable materials inside, which made it extremely difficult to put out the fire. According to the factory owners, no workers are trapped inside. However, we rescued 25 individuals who were stuck on the 6th and 7th floors due to smoke. They have been safely evacuated.”
The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage are still unknown and will be determined after an investigation.
