Residents Begin Removing Belongings from Fire-Hit Keraniganj Building

In the aftermath of a devastating fire at Jabal-e-Noor Tower in South Keraniganj, residents of the multi-storey complex have begun gradually removing their personal belongings amid deep uncertainty and lingering fear. Since Monday morning, under the supervision of the upazila administration, occupants from various floors have been seen transporting clothes, household items, and essential goods using pickup trucks and battery-operated vans. The absence of the building owners following the incident has further compounded residents’ anxiety, leaving many unsure about their future in the building.

The fire broke out at around 4:00 am on Saturday in the underground storage area of the building, which was reportedly being used as a warehouse. Fire Service officials deployed 20 units, battling the blaze for nearly 12 hours before it was finally brought under control. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. A total of 45 residents were rescued safely, averting what could have been a far more tragic outcome. In response to the incident, the local administration has formed an investigation committee to determine the cause of the fire and assess potential structural risks.

Local sources revealed that Jabal-e-Noor Tower is jointly owned by Mohammad Faruk Mia, president of the Jatiya Party’s South Keraniganj unit, and housing businessman Nure Alam. The complex stands on approximately 42 per cent of an acre and comprises seven separate buildings sharing a single basement. The basement, ground floor, and first floor reportedly house more than 300 shops and warehouses storing textile waste and scrap fabric. From the third to the tenth floors, there are around 250 residential flats, where nearly 5,000 people had been living prior to the fire.

A visit to the site on Monday showed a long line of vehicles stationed at the building’s entrance, as residents hurriedly removed their possessions. Several families from the third and fourth floors were seen carrying furniture, bedding, and appliances downstairs to load onto waiting vans.

Jamil Mia, a resident of the third floor, said he had moved into the building with his family just a year ago. “On the night of the fire, we fled to the nearby Aganagar Government Primary School to save our lives. Although the fire was fully extinguished on Sunday, we are still shaken. With the administration’s permission, we are now moving our belongings elsewhere,” he said.

Another resident, Abu Taher from the fourth floor, expressed similar concerns. “Even after the fire has been put out, the fear remains. Staying here with children feels unsafe. We do not know when—or if—we will be able to return.”

Residents also alleged that both building owners have gone into hiding since the incident. Multiple attempts to contact them by phone reportedly failed, raising questions about accountability, building safety, and regulatory compliance.

Assistant Commissioner (Land) of South Keraniganj Revenue Circle, Aftab Ahmed, confirmed that the investigation committee is actively working. “For now, residents are being allowed to remove their belongings in phases to ensure safety. Further decisions regarding the building will be taken on Wednesday following instructions from higher authorities,” he said.

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