A massive fire in the Korail shantytown, one of Dhaka’s largest informal settlements, has destroyed or damaged around 1,500 ramshackle homes, leaving thousands of residents homeless, authorities said. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the incident has sparked urgent concerns about the vulnerability of Bangladesh’s urban poor.

The blaze erupted on Tuesday evening, November 25, 2025, and firefighters battled the fire for 16 hours before bringing it under control. Heavy smoke engulfed the area, complicating rescue operations in the densely packed shantytown.

Scale of the Disaster

According to Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, director of the fire service, the fire affected 1,500 dwellings, displacing thousands of families. The Korail area spans over 65 hectares (160 acres) and is home to roughly 60,000 families, many of whom are climate refugees who have migrated from rural areas to Dhaka in search of work and shelter.

The settlement is located between Dhaka’s upscale neighborhoods of Gulshan and Banani, surrounded by high-rise apartments and office buildings, making firefighting efforts challenging. Narrow alleys slowed down fire trucks and rescue teams, complicating efforts to save property and belongings.

Aftermath and Humanitarian Concerns

On Wednesday, residents combed through smoldering debris, desperately searching for valuables and essentials. Local authorities and humanitarian organizations are now mobilizing to provide emergency shelter, food, and medical assistance to the displaced families.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is home to over 10.2 million residents as of 2024, and hundreds of shantytowns exist across the city. Many of these settlements are populated by rural migrants, pushed into urban poverty due to economic hardship and climate-related disasters, including floods and cyclones. Residents of these areas often rely on low-paid daily labor, such as rickshaw driving, domestic work, or cleaning jobs, making them extremely vulnerable to disasters.

Climate Change and Urban Vulnerability

Experts say that climate-induced migration is exacerbating overcrowding in Dhaka’s informal settlements. Fires like the one in Korail highlight the urgent need for better urban planning, fire safety measures, and disaster response mechanisms to protect the city’s most vulnerable populations.

Authorities are now assessing the damage and coordinating relief and rehabilitation efforts, while the international community has been urged to provide support for the thousands affected by this tragedy.