Bangladesh blaze kills 109

At least 109 people were killed and scores injured in a fire — believed to be the most devastating in the country’s industrial history — that gutted a garment factory in Ashulia, on the outskirts of Dhaka, on Saturday night.

The fire that started at Tazreen Fashion near Dhaka Export Processing Zone in Ashulia on Saturday evening came under control only by Sunday morning.

A total of 109 bodies had been recovered till Sunday evening from the eight-storey building. Rescuers believe many more may have been burnt to death. Around 300 workers were reportedly inside the building at the time of the fire.

Most of the bodies were badly burnt and hard to identify. Authorities said the bodies would be handed over to families after proper identification.

Bangladesh Army joined the fire brigade, police and local people in the rescue operation. Fire Brigade officials said it could have originated from an electrical short-circuit but proper investigation was needed. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has announced compensation of Tk. one lakh (Rs.68, 150) each to victims’ families. The district administration has announced to provide Tk. 20,000 (Rs.13, 630) to the families of the deceased as funeral costs.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition leader Khaleda Zia have expressed shock and mourned the deaths.