Six Fire Units Battle Chawkbazar Market Blaze

A major fire broke out at Ashik Tower in Khaja Market, one of the busiest commercial areas in Chawkbazar, Dhaka, on Saturday afternoon, prompting a large-scale response from the Fire Service and Civil Defence. Six firefighting units were deployed as crews worked to bring the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.

According to Fire Service officials, the emergency call was received at 1:34 pm. Preliminary information indicates that the fire originated on the third floor of the five-storey commercial building. Firefighting teams from the Lalbagh and Siddique Bazar fire stations were dispatched immediately and began operations upon reaching the scene.

Inspector Anwarul Islam of the Fire Service Media Cell said firefighters were continuing efforts to contain the flames while assessing the overall situation inside the building. Rescue personnel were also conducting searches to determine whether anyone remained trapped in the affected structure.

As of the latest update, authorities had not confirmed any casualties. Likewise, neither the cause of the fire nor the extent of the damage had been determined. Fire officials said these details would only become clear after the blaze was fully extinguished and a formal investigation carried out.

The incident caused alarm among shopkeepers, employees and local residents in the densely populated commercial district. Crowds gathered around the site shortly after smoke was seen rising from the building, while emergency responders worked to secure the surrounding area to facilitate firefighting and rescue operations. Law enforcement personnel were also present to help manage traffic and maintain public safety.

Fires in Old Dhaka often present significant operational challenges due to the area’s narrow roads, closely packed buildings and concentration of commercial establishments. These conditions can make it difficult for emergency vehicles to gain quick access and increase the risk of flames spreading rapidly from one structure to another. For that reason, rapid deployment and coordinated firefighting efforts are critical in limiting potential losses.

The latest incident comes only days after another deadly fire in the capital. On the night of 26 June, a blaze at Al Baraka Tower in Katabon claimed two lives, raising renewed concerns about fire safety standards in commercial buildings across Dhaka. The Chawkbazar fire has once again highlighted the importance of maintaining adequate fire prevention measures, ensuring emergency exits remain accessible and conducting regular safety inspections in densely occupied commercial properties.

Authorities are expected to determine the cause of the fire and assess the financial losses once the emergency response has concluded and investigators complete their examination of the site.