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Published : 19 Oct 2025, 10:01 PM
Following several major fires recently, the interim government has formed a seven-strong “core committee” to investigate their causes, helmed by the home secretary.
Disaster Management Advisor Faruk E Azam confirmed the development on Sunday, adding that the committee may expand in the future and is expected to submit its report by Nov 5.
Within five days, three significant fires occurred in Dhaka and Chittagong.
The first, on Tuesday in Mirpur’s Rupnagar area, destroyed a garment factory and a chemical warehouse, claiming at least 16 lives. The blaze was brought under control nearly 28 hours later.
On Thursday, a fire erupted at a factory in Chittagong Export Processing Zone (CEPZ). Though no casualties were reported, substantial damage was sustained, and the fire was extinguished after around 17 hours.
The latest fire struck the Cargo Village at Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday, doused around 27 hours after it broke out.
The spate of incidents sparked criticism and speculation, including claims from BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir that the fires might have been deliberate.
On Sunday afternoon, officials from multiple ministries, agencies, and security forces convened an urgent meeting in the Cabinet Secretariat.
Attendees included Civil Aviation Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin, also the commerce advisor, Faruq, and Fire Service Director-General Brig Gen Muhammad Jahed Kamal.
Kamal said the meeting reviewed preventive and preparedness measures, awareness campaigns, and safety protocols at key installations. Police Inspector-General Baharul Alam emphasised that security is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated efforts.
Faruq said, “We have discussed numerous issues. Multiple aspects of the investigation are under review. Until the committee submits its report, it is premature to comment on any sabotage or domestic and foreign conspiracy.
“About the delayed Fire Service response at the airport, there were some deficiencies, though Civil Aviation [Authority] also acted. Every aspect will be scrutinised.”
