A devastating fire erupted on Tuesday at a combined garment factory and chemical warehouse in Mirpur, one of the busiest industrial areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh, claiming the lives of at least 16 people, according to the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defense. Authorities confirmed that several others sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as thick black smoke billowed from the seven-story building. Firefighter Talha bin Jashim stated that the blaze likely originated on the third floor of the garment facility. “We have recovered multiple bodies so far, and rescue operations are still underway. Our teams worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control by the evening,” he said.

Rescue teams, supported by the Border Guard Bangladesh and local emergency responders, faced immense challenges due to the building’s chemical storage, which increased the intensity of the fire and the risk of explosions. Families of factory workers gathered at the site in fear and anguish, with some fainting upon witnessing the disaster.

Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest garment producer after China, with the industry employing roughly 4 million people, predominantly women. The sector generates approximately $40 billion annually from exports, primarily to the United States and Europe. Despite its economic significance, the industry has long struggled with safety violations and inadequate regulatory oversight, often resulting in fatal accidents. Previous industrial fires in Dhaka and other cities have highlighted systemic issues such as non-compliance with building codes, overcrowded factories, and insufficient fire safety measures.

The government and labor organizations have once again come under scrutiny for failing to enforce strict safety protocols in factories that supply major international brands. As investigations into the Mirpur fire continue, there are growing calls for stricter enforcement of industrial safety regulations and regular inspections to prevent future tragedies.

The latest incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by workers in Bangladesh’s garment and chemical sectors. Safety experts emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive safety training, modern firefighting infrastructure, and compliance with international industrial standards to protect workers and prevent similar catastrophes in the future.

Authorities have urged families and local residents to stay clear of the affected area as rescue operations continue. Meanwhile, local NGOs and government agencies are mobilizing resources to assist victims’ families and provide emergency relief to those affected by the fire.