A huge fire gutted several hundreds shops at a market in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka, but there were no casualties as the blaze swept through the area in the early hours of Thursday (September 14) before stores opened. It took six hours for military forces and firefighters to contain the blaze, which spread quickly in the Mohammadpur market due to the large amount of flammable items such as cooking oil and plastics, officials said.

Bangladesh fire: Hundreds of shops gutted in market fire in Bangladesh's Dhaka

Police in Bangladesh said Sunday they had arrested the owners of an office tower in Dhaka that caught fire earlier this week, killing 26 people and renewing the country's debate over lax safety standards.

The latest deadly blaze to hit Bangladesh's congested capital tore through the 22-storey FR Tower on Thursday, leaving some of the hundreds trapped inside screaming for help as horrified onlookers massed outside.

Police said they had detained two men, SMHI Faruque and Tasvir Ul Islam -- who is district leader of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) -- in the capital, after filing charges against them for criminal negligence.

"We arrested Faruque just after midnight. He is the 45 per cent owner of the building. He also owns the land on which the building was constructed," deputy commissioner Mashiur Rahman told AFP.

Senior police official Shahjahan Saju told AFP that Islam, who contested the parliamentary election in December and lost, was arrested at 11 pm (1700 GMT) Saturday over allegations he owns part of the FR building -- which authorities have said was extended illegally and lacked adequate fire safety measures.

Police said they were also looking for the owner of the construction firm which built the tower in the 1990s.&nbsp;

Some of those stuck inside the burning building, in the upmarket Banani commercial district, made it to safety by sliding down cables on the side of the building, but others took their chances and jumped in a bid to escape the smoke and heat.&nbsp;

Six people leaped to their deaths.

Firefighters backed by military specialists -- some in helicopters -- tackled the flames, lowering ropes to help people escape, while rescuers on long ladders smashed through windows.

The arrests came as a senior minister called the fire an act of murder amid growing public clamour for better building safety standards.&nbsp;

"Definitely this is murder. It is not an accident... Nobody will escape the law," housing and public works minister Rezaul Karim told reporters on Friday.

Authorities have ordered an investigation into safety measures at the tower. Fire officials said the blaze-hit building lacked fire exits and sprinklers, while access to its emergency staircase was padlocked.

The city's housing authority later said five upper floors in the building were illegally added without official permission.

According to a 2012 study by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, most high-rise buildings in 15-million-strong Dhaka have inadequate fire safety measures.

Experts said inspections of buildings in the city frequently found fire stairs blocked with stored goods and exit doors locked.

Police in Bangladesh said Sunday they had arrested the owners of an office tower in Dhaka that caught fire earlier this week, killing 26 people and renewing the country's debate over lax safety standards.

Police in Bangladesh said Sunday they had arrested the owners of an office tower in Dhaka that caught fire earlier this week, killing 26 people and renewing the country's debate over lax safety standards. The latest deadly blaze to hit Bangladesh's congested capital tore through the 22-storey FR Tower on Thursday, leaving some of the hundreds trapped inside screaming for help as horrified onlookers massed outside. Police said they had detained two men, SMHI Faruque and Tasvir Ul Islam -- who is district leader of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) -- in the capital, after filing charges against them for criminal negligence. "We arrested Faruque just after midnight. He is the 45 per cent owner of the building. He also owns the land on which the building was constructed," deputy commissioner Mashiur Rahman told AFP. Senior police official Shahjahan Saju told AFP that Islam, who contested the parliamentary election in December and lost, was arrested at 11 pm (1700 GMT) Saturday over allegations he owns part of the FR building -- which authorities have said was extended illegally and lacked adequate fire safety measures. Police said they were also looking for the owner of the construction firm which built the tower in the 1990s. Some of those stuck inside the burning building, in the upmarket Banani commercial district, made it to safety by sliding down cables on the side of the building, but others took their chances and jumped in a bid to escape the smoke and heat. Six people leaped to their deaths. Firefighters backed by military specialists -- some in helicopters -- tackled the flames, lowering ropes to help people escape, while rescuers on long ladders smashed through windows. The arrests came as a senior minister called the fire an act of murder amid growing public clamour for better building safety standards. "Definitely this is murder. It is not an accident... Nobody will escape the law," housing and public works minister Rezaul Karim told reporters on Friday. Authorities have ordered an investigation into safety measures at the tower. Fire officials said the blaze-hit building lacked fire exits and sprinklers, while access to its emergency staircase was padlocked. The city's housing authority later said five upper floors in the building were illegally added without official permission. According to a 2012 study by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, most high-rise buildings in 15-million-strong Dhaka have inadequate fire safety measures. Experts said inspections of buildings in the city frequently found fire stairs blocked with stored goods and exit doors locked.

Bangladesh arrests owners of blaze-hit Dhaka tower

With the death of 19 more people, the toll from the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/workers-jump-to-their-deaths-as-dhaka-office-block-fire-kills-19-206322"> deadly fire at a high-rise office building in Bangladesh's capital</a> rose to 25, fire officials said.

A massive fire engulfed a 22-storey building in Dhaka's posh Banani area on Thursday, in the second major blaze to hit the capital since last month.

The incident, in the building that houses several garment shops and internet service providers, left several people trapped inside as the blaze spread to two adjacent buildings.

Nineteen bodies were recovered from inside the building. A total of 25 deaths have been confirmed and the number of people injured is 76 in the deadly fire that broke out at in Dhaka's Banani area, a fire service official was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune.

The injured are now being treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital's burn unit.

The Fire Service Duty Officer Mizanur Rahman claimed the fire was brought under control at around 4:45 pm on Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Hundreds of people have been rescued from the building, the report said.

Fire Service Deputy Director Dilip Kumar Ghosh said that several people had panicked and leapt from the building, which led to the increased casualties.

At least six of the killed, including a Sri Lankan national, died after they jumped off from various floors of the high-rise building for safety.

The building had narrow staircases and lacked firefighting capacity. It is also of note that the building reportedly caught fire over a decade ago in 2008, Ghosh said.

Fire officials said the blaze erupted on the eighth floor of the building and gradually went upward engulfing ninth, 10th and 11th floors, but could not immediately say what sparked the inferno.

Five military and air force helicopters were deployed to drop water on the blaze as flames and thick black smoke poured out of the windows.

On February 20, at least 70 people were killed and over 50 injured when a fast-moving fire swept through apartment buildings and chemical warehouses in Dhaka's congested Chawkbazar area.

In 2012, a fire at a nine-storey garment factory near Dhaka killed 111 workers.&nbsp;

With the death of 19 more people, the toll from the deadly fire at a high-rise office building in Bangladesh's capital rose to 25, fire officials said. A massive fire engulfed a 22-storey building in Dhaka's posh Banani area on Thursday, in the second major blaze to hit the capital since last month.

With the death of 19 more people, the toll from the deadly fire at a high-rise office building in Bangladesh's capital rose to 25, fire officials said. A massive fire engulfed a 22-storey building in Dhaka's posh Banani area on Thursday, in the second major blaze to hit the capital since last month. The incident, in the building that houses several garment shops and internet service providers, left several people trapped inside as the blaze spread to two adjacent buildings. Nineteen bodies were recovered from inside the building. A total of 25 deaths have been confirmed and the number of people injured is 76 in the deadly fire that broke out at in Dhaka's Banani area, a fire service official was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune. The injured are now being treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital's burn unit. The Fire Service Duty Officer Mizanur Rahman claimed the fire was brought under control at around 4:45 pm on Thursday. Hundreds of people have been rescued from the building, the report said. Fire Service Deputy Director Dilip Kumar Ghosh said that several people had panicked and leapt from the building, which led to the increased casualties. At least six of the killed, including a Sri Lankan national, died after they jumped off from various floors of the high-rise building for safety. The building had narrow staircases and lacked firefighting capacity. It is also of note that the building reportedly caught fire over a decade ago in 2008, Ghosh said. Fire officials said the blaze erupted on the eighth floor of the building and gradually went upward engulfing ninth, 10th and 11th floors, but could not immediately say what sparked the inferno. Five military and air force helicopters were deployed to drop water on the blaze as flames and thick black smoke poured out of the windows. On February 20, at least 70 people were killed and over 50 injured when a fast-moving fire swept through apartment buildings and chemical warehouses in Dhaka's congested Chawkbazar area. In 2012, a fire at a nine-storey garment factory near Dhaka killed 111 workers.

Bangladesh fire death toll rises to 25: Officials

Desperate workers leaped to their deaths as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fire-breaks-out-in-22-storey-building-in-bangladesh-several-feared-trapped-206273">huge fire tore through a Dhaka</a> office block Thursday, killing at least 19 people and trapping others in the latest major inferno to hit the Bangladesh capital.

Rescue workers warned the death toll could rise sharply as fire fighters recovered charred bodies from the complex where an unknown number of office <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fire-breaks-out-in-22-storey-building-in-bangladesh-several-feared-trapped-206273">workers were engulfed by intense smoke and flames</a>.

At least six people died after jumping from the 22-floor building, officials said.

Dhaka police chief Asaduzzaman Mia told reporters at least 73 people were injured and being treated in hospitals across Dhaka.

People were seen screaming for help as hundreds of panicked onlookers crowded the streets of the upmarket Banani commercial district.

Some workers slid down a television cable on the side of the building. Others grabbed ropes lowered by emergency service helicopters which pulled them out of the blaze.

The inferno erupted barely a month after at least 70 people were killed in Dhaka apartment buildings where illegally stored chemicals exploded.

The latest disaster brought new scenes of horror amid fears that the toll would rise. More than 100 ambulances were parked in streets around the building.

Shoikot Rahman heard colleagues raise the alarm and ran to safety before smoke and flames engulfed the building.

"When I heard a fire broke out in the building, I quickly rushed out," he told AFP. "Many of my colleagues are still trapped in the office."

Firefighters on long ladders smashed windows to create escape routes. More than one hour after the blaze erupted people could still be seen on the 13th and 14th floors desperately waving for help amid clouds of black smoke.

Army helicopters dangled ropes that victims grabbed so they could be lifted to safety, with crowds below cheering and applauding every time someone was rescued.

Rescuers kept at bay

Three hospitals reported that six men and women had died or arrived with fatal injuries after jumping from the office block. They included a Sri Lankan man whose body was taken to the army's Kurmitola Hospital.

Dilkhosh Ahmed at the Banani Clinic said one of the victims had attempted to use the television cable to climb down, but slipped and fell around the eighth floor.

A seventh death from burns was recorded at the Dhaka Medical College hospital.

Helicopters were deployed to drop water on the blaze as scores of firefighters backed by navy and air force specialists struggled to bring it under control.

A top fire official said the flames had been stopped from spreading to adjoining buildings.

"Teams have entered the building and they are scouring the floors for any remaining victims. The building did not have fire fighting equipment," said Lieutenant Colonel Julfikar Rahman of the Dhaka fire service told reporters.

Rescue crews were soon discovering bodies and carrying them out one after the other in white bags.

Some workers told of risky escapes.&nbsp;

"My uncle and two more people jumped from their floor. His hand and leg are broken and his eye is damaged," one man said without giving his name.

A man who gave his name as Jico said he had been working on the 19th floor. "The fire started in a restaurant on the sixth floor. We ran to the roof as soon as we heard about it and then used a wooden plank to get over to the next building."

Fire disasters regularly hit Bangladesh's major cities where safety standards are notoriously lax.&nbsp;

A massive blaze in Dhaka's old quarter on February 21 killed at least 70 people and injured 50 others.

Fire service officials said chemicals illegally stored in an apartment building exploded and set alight five buildings and nearby streets. That blaze took more than 12 hours to control.&nbsp;

A June 2010 fire in the nearby neighbourhood of Nimtoli, one of the most densely populated districts of the capital, killed 123 people.

In November 2012, a fire swept through a nine-story garment factory near Dhaka killing 111 workers. An investigation found it was caused by sabotage and that managers at the plant had prevented victims from escaping.

Experts said inspections of buildings in the city frequently found fire stairs blocked with stored goods and exit doors locked.

Desperate workers leaped to their deaths as a huge fire tore through a Dhaka office block Thursday, killing at least 19 people and trapping others in the latest major inferno to hit the Bangladesh capital.

Desperate workers leaped to their deaths as a huge fire tore through a Dhaka office block Thursday, killing at least 19 people and trapping others in the latest major inferno to hit the Bangladesh capital. Rescue workers warned the death toll could rise sharply as fire fighters recovered charred bodies from the complex where an unknown number of office workers were engulfed by intense smoke and flames. At least six people died after jumping from the 22-floor building, officials said. Dhaka police chief Asaduzzaman Mia told reporters at least 73 people were injured and being treated in hospitals across Dhaka. People were seen screaming for help as hundreds of panicked onlookers crowded the streets of the upmarket Banani commercial district. Some workers slid down a television cable on the side of the building. Others grabbed ropes lowered by emergency service helicopters which pulled them out of the blaze. The inferno erupted barely a month after at least 70 people were killed in Dhaka apartment buildings where illegally stored chemicals exploded. The latest disaster brought new scenes of horror amid fears that the toll would rise. More than 100 ambulances were parked in streets around the building. Shoikot Rahman heard colleagues raise the alarm and ran to safety before smoke and flames engulfed the building. "When I heard a fire broke out in the building, I quickly rushed out," he told AFP. "Many of my colleagues are still trapped in the office." Firefighters on long ladders smashed windows to create escape routes. More than one hour after the blaze erupted people could still be seen on the 13th and 14th floors desperately waving for help amid clouds of black smoke. Army helicopters dangled ropes that victims grabbed so they could be lifted to safety, with crowds below cheering and applauding every time someone was rescued. Rescuers kept at bay Three hospitals reported that six men and women had died or arrived with fatal injuries after jumping from the office block. They included a Sri Lankan man whose body was taken to the army's Kurmitola Hospital. Dilkhosh Ahmed at the Banani Clinic said one of the victims had attempted to use the television cable to climb down, but slipped and fell around the eighth floor. A seventh death from burns was recorded at the Dhaka Medical College hospital. Helicopters were deployed to drop water on the blaze as scores of firefighters backed by navy and air force specialists struggled to bring it under control. A top fire official said the flames had been stopped from spreading to adjoining buildings. "Teams have entered the building and they are scouring the floors for any remaining victims. The building did not have fire fighting equipment," said Lieutenant Colonel Julfikar Rahman of the Dhaka fire service told reporters. Rescue crews were soon discovering bodies and carrying them out one after the other in white bags. Some workers told of risky escapes. "My uncle and two more people jumped from their floor. His hand and leg are broken and his eye is damaged," one man said without giving his name. A man who gave his name as Jico said he had been working on the 19th floor. "The fire started in a restaurant on the sixth floor. We ran to the roof as soon as we heard about it and then used a wooden plank to get over to the next building." Fire disasters regularly hit Bangladesh's major cities where safety standards are notoriously lax. A massive blaze in Dhaka's old quarter on February 21 killed at least 70 people and injured 50 others. Fire service officials said chemicals illegally stored in an apartment building exploded and set alight five buildings and nearby streets. That blaze took more than 12 hours to control. A June 2010 fire in the nearby neighbourhood of Nimtoli, one of the most densely populated districts of the capital, killed 123 people. In November 2012, a fire swept through a nine-story garment factory near Dhaka killing 111 workers. An investigation found it was caused by sabotage and that managers at the plant had prevented victims from escaping. Experts said inspections of buildings in the city frequently found fire stairs blocked with stored goods and exit doors locked.

Dhaka office fire: Death toll rises to 19; several still trapped

At least five people were killed while Several others still feared trapped in a huge fire that broke out in a 22-storey building in Dhaka's Banani area on Thursday, in the latest blaze to hit the Bangladeshi capital.

The incident happened on Thursday afternoon in the building that houses several garment shops and internet service providers.

Four people died when they jumped off from different floors of the building while a student of the Dhaka University died due to the effects of the blaze, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

"A 35-year-old man, identified as Abdullah Al Faruk, an MBA student at Dhaka University, was declared dead after he was rushed to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital," the paper reported.

Another person, who was yet to be identified by the authorities, was declared dead at Kurmitola General Hospital after he fell off the building while trying to escape the fire.

"Similarly, three more male victims were declared dead on arrival by the doctors of United Hospital," officials were quoted as saying.

The people who lost their lives were among half a dozen people who jumped off from various floors of the high-rise building, resulting in grave injuries, senior officials said.

Apart from 21 fire tenders, Bangladesh Air Force helicopters and Navy commandos have been sent to the spot to douse the blaze.

While the actual reason behind the blaze was not known, eyewitnesses and a government officer at the spot said that the fire broke out on the eight floors of the building and later spread to the other floors.

However, fire service did not comment on what caused the fire. 
They, however, said that around 35 people have been rescued from the building while the operation to save others was on.

"Three units of Bangladesh Navy are working to tame the blaze. We have brought around 50 per cent of the fire under control," Siraj, a Navy officer, said.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director, Abdullah Ibn Zaid, said that three Bangladesh Air Force helicopters are aiding the search and rescue operations, along with teams from the Bangladesh Army and Navy.

Last month at least 70 people were killed and over 50 injured when a fast-moving fire swept through apartment buildings and chemical warehouses in Dhaka's congested Chawkbazar area.&nbsp;

At least five people were killed while Several others still feared trapped in a huge fire that broke out in a 22-storey building in Dhaka's Banani area on Thursday, in the latest blaze to hit the Bangladeshi capital.

At least five people were killed while Several others still feared trapped in a huge fire that broke out in a 22-storey building in Dhaka's Banani area on Thursday, in the latest blaze to hit the Bangladeshi capital. The incident happened on Thursday afternoon in the building that houses several garment shops and internet service providers. Four people died when they jumped off from different floors of the building while a student of the Dhaka University died due to the effects of the blaze, the Dhaka Tribune reported. "A 35-year-old man, identified as Abdullah Al Faruk, an MBA student at Dhaka University, was declared dead after he was rushed to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital," the paper reported. Another person, who was yet to be identified by the authorities, was declared dead at Kurmitola General Hospital after he fell off the building while trying to escape the fire. "Similarly, three more male victims were declared dead on arrival by the doctors of United Hospital," officials were quoted as saying. The people who lost their lives were among half a dozen people who jumped off from various floors of the high-rise building, resulting in grave injuries, senior officials said. Apart from 21 fire tenders, Bangladesh Air Force helicopters and Navy commandos have been sent to the spot to douse the blaze. While the actual reason behind the blaze was not known, eyewitnesses and a government officer at the spot said that the fire broke out on the eight floors of the building and later spread to the other floors. However, fire service did not comment on what caused the fire. They, however, said that around 35 people have been rescued from the building while the operation to save others was on. "Three units of Bangladesh Navy are working to tame the blaze. We have brought around 50 per cent of the fire under control," Siraj, a Navy officer, said. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director, Abdullah Ibn Zaid, said that three Bangladesh Air Force helicopters are aiding the search and rescue operations, along with teams from the Bangladesh Army and Navy. Last month at least 70 people were killed and over 50 injured when a fast-moving fire swept through apartment buildings and chemical warehouses in Dhaka's congested Chawkbazar area.

Five killed in Bangladesh building fire; several still feared trapped

A fast-moving fire swept through adjoining apartment buildings and chemical warehouses in a historic part of the Bangladesh capital Dhaka, killing at least 70 people and injuring several others, the latest such deadly blaze in the country.

Officials said the fire broke out at night a chemical warehouse on the ground floor of a four-storey building named Hazi Wahed Mansion behind a mosque in Old Dhaka's congested Chawkbazar area on Wednesday night and the flames then quickly spread through four other buildings nearby, including a community centre where a wedding party was on.

"The salvage campaign is ending here," mayor of Dhaka South Sayeed Khokon said.

Fire officials said that the blaze has claimed at least 70 lives so far.

Earlier, fire service control room spokesman Kamrul Ahsan said that the death toll was 81. However, it was later revised downward to at least 70.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police officials said the fire spread rapidly due to the multiple chemical godowns that were situated in the area.

State-run Dhaka Medical College Hospital's director Brigadier General AKM Nasiruddin, however, feared that the toll may rise as several people were being treated at the facility with critical burn injuries.

Khokon called off the rescue operation around 12:10 PM after nearly 14 hours of efforts. Two-hundred fire-fighters from 37 units doused the blaze, making their way to the scene through narrow lanes with fire engines.

"Some of the bodies were burned very badly, difficult to be identified... Of the victims, five are children and nine women," a doctor said.

Bangladesh's fire service chief Ali Ahmed said the blaze may have started with a gas cylinder before quickly spreading through the building where chemicals were stored.

"The flames raced through four adjoining buildings, which were also used as chemical warehouses. There was a traffic jam when the fire broke out. It spread so quickly that people could not escape," he said.

TV images showed the main gate of one of the buildings was locked, leaving its residents trapped, unable to escape the blaze as it swept through its five storeys.

Witnesses said the victims also included passersby, some people who were eating food at a nearby restaurant and some members of a wedding party.

Over 50 people, including women and children, were also injured and admitted to nearby hospitals, including Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital.

Some of the residents were injured after they jumped off the building.

The district administration will provide 20,000 takas ($238) to the victims' families for burial, Additional Deputy Commissioner Shafiqul said.

The officials said narrow lanes made it difficult for the fire engines to reach the spot. The firefighters used helicopters and long hose pipes to set off the blaze.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina mourned the casualties and ordered the best possible treatment for those injured. State-run facilities were asked to provide free of cost services to the injured.

The four-storey building where the fire started is at the risk of collapsing due to damage, according to media reports.

The first floor of the building was being used as a warehouse of plastic goods, cosmetics and perfume. Some families lived on the upper floors, according to residents.

The ground floor of the building, where the fire originated, had several shops.

The fire from the building immediately caused an electric transformer to explode, which set ablaze several cars parked on the alley. The alley was packed with people because of a wedding ceremony that was being held in the nearby community centre.

An investigation panel has been formed to identify the reason behind the fire.

The fire brings back the terrifying memories of another massive blaze in 2010 in an old Dhaka building at Nimtoli, which was also used as a chemical warehouse, that killed more than 120 people in one of the worst fire tragedies in Bangladesh.

It had sparked a public outcry, demanding the relocation of chemical warehouses and stores from the area, but little has been done in the last nine years. The authorities had listed 800 warehouses in the neighbourhood for their transfer to Keraniganj on the outskirts of the capital.

The lack of safety regulations in the country was highlighted in 2013 when over 1,100 people died and thousands more were injured when a building housing garment factories in Dhaka collapsed.&nbsp;

A fast-moving fire swept through adjoining apartment buildings and chemical warehouses in a historic part of the Bangladesh capital Dhaka, killing at least 70 people and injuring several others, the latest such deadly blaze in the country.

A fast-moving fire swept through adjoining apartment buildings and chemical warehouses in a historic part of the Bangladesh capital Dhaka, killing at least 70 people and injuring several others, the latest such deadly blaze in the country. Officials said the fire broke out at night a chemical warehouse on the ground floor of a four-storey building named Hazi Wahed Mansion behind a mosque in Old Dhaka's congested Chawkbazar area on Wednesday night and the flames then quickly spread through four other buildings nearby, including a community centre where a wedding party was on. "The salvage campaign is ending here," mayor of Dhaka South Sayeed Khokon said. Fire officials said that the blaze has claimed at least 70 lives so far. Earlier, fire service control room spokesman Kamrul Ahsan said that the death toll was 81. However, it was later revised downward to at least 70. Dhaka Metropolitan Police officials said the fire spread rapidly due to the multiple chemical godowns that were situated in the area. State-run Dhaka Medical College Hospital's director Brigadier General AKM Nasiruddin, however, feared that the toll may rise as several people were being treated at the facility with critical burn injuries. Khokon called off the rescue operation around 12:10 PM after nearly 14 hours of efforts. Two-hundred fire-fighters from 37 units doused the blaze, making their way to the scene through narrow lanes with fire engines. "Some of the bodies were burned very badly, difficult to be identified... Of the victims, five are children and nine women," a doctor said. Bangladesh's fire service chief Ali Ahmed said the blaze may have started with a gas cylinder before quickly spreading through the building where chemicals were stored. "The flames raced through four adjoining buildings, which were also used as chemical warehouses. There was a traffic jam when the fire broke out. It spread so quickly that people could not escape," he said. TV images showed the main gate of one of the buildings was locked, leaving its residents trapped, unable to escape the blaze as it swept through its five storeys. Witnesses said the victims also included passersby, some people who were eating food at a nearby restaurant and some members of a wedding party. Over 50 people, including women and children, were also injured and admitted to nearby hospitals, including Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital. Some of the residents were injured after they jumped off the building. The district administration will provide 20,000 takas ($238) to the victims' families for burial, Additional Deputy Commissioner Shafiqul said. The officials said narrow lanes made it difficult for the fire engines to reach the spot. The firefighters used helicopters and long hose pipes to set off the blaze. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina mourned the casualties and ordered the best possible treatment for those injured. State-run facilities were asked to provide free of cost services to the injured. The four-storey building where the fire started is at the risk of collapsing due to damage, according to media reports. The first floor of the building was being used as a warehouse of plastic goods, cosmetics and perfume. Some families lived on the upper floors, according to residents. The ground floor of the building, where the fire originated, had several shops. The fire from the building immediately caused an electric transformer to explode, which set ablaze several cars parked on the alley. The alley was packed with people because of a wedding ceremony that was being held in the nearby community centre. An investigation panel has been formed to identify the reason behind the fire. The fire brings back the terrifying memories of another massive blaze in 2010 in an old Dhaka building at Nimtoli, which was also used as a chemical warehouse, that killed more than 120 people in one of the worst fire tragedies in Bangladesh. It had sparked a public outcry, demanding the relocation of chemical warehouses and stores from the area, but little has been done in the last nine years. The authorities had listed 800 warehouses in the neighbourhood for their transfer to Keraniganj on the outskirts of the capital. The lack of safety regulations in the country was highlighted in 2013 when over 1,100 people died and thousands more were injured when a building housing garment factories in Dhaka collapsed.

Bangladesh: 70 killed as massive fire spreads through chemical warehouses in Dhaka

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-chairs-nsc-meeting-again-asks-for-actionable-proof-on-pulwama-attack-sources-to-wion-198779">Pak PM Imran Khan chairs NSC meeting, again asks for 'actionable proof' on Pulwama attack: Sources to WION</a>

Amid growing tensions with India over the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a key meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) to discuss the security situation.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-reason-to-ratchet-up-confrontation-to-level-of-cuban-missile-crisis-we-can-put-submarines-in-neutral-waters-warns-putin-198765">No reason to ratchet up </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-reason-to-ratchet-up-confrontation-to-level-of-cuban-missile-crisis-we-can-put-submarines-in-neutral-waters-warns-putin-198765">confrontation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-reason-to-ratchet-up-confrontation-to-level-of-cuban-missile-crisis-we-can-put-submarines-in-neutral-waters-warns-putin-198765"> to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-reason-to-ratchet-up-confrontation-to-level-of-cuban-missile-crisis-we-can-put-submarines-in-neutral-waters-warns-putin-198765">level</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-reason-to-ratchet-up-confrontation-to-level-of-cuban-missile-crisis-we-can-put-submarines-in-neutral-waters-warns-putin-198765"> of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-reason-to-ratchet-up-confrontation-to-level-of-cuban-missile-crisis-we-can-put-submarines-in-neutral-waters-warns-putin-198765">Cuban</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-reason-to-ratchet-up-confrontation-to-level-of-cuban-missile-crisis-we-can-put-submarines-in-neutral-waters-warns-putin-198765"> missile crisis, we can put submarines in neutral waters, warns Putin</a>

President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia is militarily ready for a Cuban Missile-style crisis if the United States is foolish enough to want one and that his country currently has the edge when it comes to a first nuclear strike.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/81-killed-as-massive-fire-spreads-at-lightning-speed-through-chemical-warehouses-in-bangladesh-198773">Bangladesh: 81 killed as </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/81-killed-as-massive-fire-spreads-at-lightning-speed-through-chemical-warehouses-in-bangladesh-198773">massive</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/81-killed-as-massive-fire-spreads-at-lightning-speed-through-chemical-warehouses-in-bangladesh-198773"> fire spreads through chemical warehouses in Dhaka</a>

A fast-moving fire swept through adjoining apartment buildings and chemical warehouses in a historic part of the Bangladesh capital Dhaka, killing at least 81 people and injuring several others, the latest such deadly blaze in the country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-lose-by-not-playing-pak-in-world-cup-says-gavaskar-urges-imran-khan-to-act-198739">India lose by not playing Pak in World Cup, says Gavaskar; urges Imran Khan to act</a>

India stand to lose by boycotting Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup, feels former captain Sunil Gavaskar, who said the country can continue to "hurt them" by shunning bilateral ties.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-xi-jinping-says-ties-with-iran-unchanged-as-saudi-crown-prince-arrives-in-china-198743">President Xi Jinping says ties with Iran unchanged as Saudi crown prince arrives in China</a>

China remains determined to maintain strategic ties with Iran regardless of regional tensions in the Middle East, its president has said, ahead of Saudi Arabia crown prince's two-day China trip that began Thursday.

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Pak PM Imran Khan chairs NSC meeting, again asks for 'actionable proof' on Pulwama attack: Sources to WION Amid growing tensions with India over the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a key meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) to discuss the security situation.

Pak PM Imran Khan chairs NSC meeting, again asks for 'actionable proof' on Pulwama attack: Sources to WION Amid growing tensions with India over the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a key meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) to discuss the security situation. No reason to ratchet up confrontation to level of Cuban missile crisis, we can put submarines in neutral waters, warns Putin President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia is militarily ready for a Cuban Missile-style crisis if the United States is foolish enough to want one and that his country currently has the edge when it comes to a first nuclear strike. Bangladesh: 81 killed as massive fire spreads through chemical warehouses in Dhaka A fast-moving fire swept through adjoining apartment buildings and chemical warehouses in a historic part of the Bangladesh capital Dhaka, killing at least 81 people and injuring several others, the latest such deadly blaze in the country. India lose by not playing Pak in World Cup, says Gavaskar; urges Imran Khan to act India stand to lose by boycotting Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup, feels former captain Sunil Gavaskar, who said the country can continue to "hurt them" by shunning bilateral ties. President Xi Jinping says ties with Iran unchanged as Saudi crown prince arrives in China China remains determined to maintain strategic ties with Iran regardless of regional tensions in the Middle East, its president has said, ahead of Saudi Arabia crown prince's two-day China trip that began Thursday.

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