Dhaka: A massive fire that tore through a garment factory and an adjoining chemical warehouse in Dhaka on Monday has claimed at least nine lives, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue.

The blaze erupted late in the morning at a seven storey building in the Mirpur industrial area, where a garment manufacturing unit and a warehouse storing bleaching powder, hydrogen peroxide, and plastic materials were located. According to fire service officials, the flames spread rapidly due to the presence of highly flammable chemicals.

Eight firefighting teams battled the fire for nearly three hours before bringing it under control. By that time, thick smoke had already filled the lower floors, trapping several workers inside. Rescuers later recovered nine

See Full Page