Savar fire death toll rises to 110

Death toll in the fire at a garment factory in Savar's Nischintapur has risen to 110 on Sunday.

Over 100 were also injured from the fire which broke out at the Tazreen Fashions Limited of Toba Group at around 7:30pm on Saturday. Ten units of fire service managed to douse the fire around 11:45pm.

Additional Deputy Inspector General of Police (Dhaka range) Mijanur Rahman on Sunday morning told bdnews24.com: "We have found 112 dead bodies until now. The bodies are being taken to the Nischintapur Government Primary School ground."

Fire Brigade Director (Operation) Maj Mahbub told bdnews24.com the rescue operation inside the blazed building was still undergoing.

An emotionally charged environment has descended in the area as families of those who died or injured gathered there.

Meanwhile, police authorities have announced formation of an investigation committee to look into the reasons behind the fire which is one of the biggest in the history of Bangladesh.

Superintendent of Police of Dhaka district Habibur Rahman told reporters ADIG Mijanur Rahman would lead the three-member committee. The Ministry of Home Affairs would also form another probe team on the matter, he added.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia have expressed shock and mourned the deaths from the fire.

Ashulia Industrial Police's Inspector Mokhlesur Rahman said dead bodies would be handed over to the families after identified by relatives.

The district administration has announced to provide Tk 20,000 to the families of the deceased as funeral costs.

Rescue workers in the wee hours on Sunday had confirmed of recovering at least nine dead bodies, including seven of female workers. They had jumped off the nine-storey building to save themselves from the fire.

Bangladesh Army's Ninth Infantry Division has also arrived at the scene in the morning along with the members of Red Crescent. Police, RAB and Border Guard Bangladesh personnel have cordoned off the factory area while the rescue operation was still underway.

People looking for their relatives who are trapped inside the factory, however, had started hurling brickbats to police in the morning alleging delay in the rescue operation.

Industrial Police's Deputy Director Moktar Hossain told bdnews24.com the situation came under control as they charged baton and fired several rounds of teargas shells.

Narasinghapur Women and Children Health Centre Assistant Manager Harun-or-Rashid told bdnews24.com that 45 workers with burn injuries were admitted there.

Fire Brigade Director General Brig Gen Abu Nayeem Mohammad Shahidullah said, "We are suspecting that the fire originated from electrical short-circuit. We can say it for sure after investigation."

Asked about the reason behind the delay to control the fire, he pointed to 'lack of water' in the area.