A devastating fire at a chip manufacturing facility in East Badda, Dhaka, has claimed the lives of two young workers, highlighting persistent concerns over industrial safety standards in the capital’s small-scale food processing sector.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Sunday (24 May), when most of the workers were asleep inside the factory premises. According to eyewitness accounts, the blaze spread rapidly through the building, leaving little time for evacuation. The victims were unable to escape the intense smoke and flames that engulfed the structure within minutes.
The deceased have been identified as Mahmudul Hasan, 23, and Mostafa Mia, 21. Both were residents of Taraganj upazila in Rangpur district. Mahmudul was the son of Islam Uddin from the village of Boro Jampapara, while Mostafa was the son of Maju Mia from Char Kazipara. Like many rural youths, they had moved to the capital in search of employment and were working at the chip production unit to support their families.
A fellow worker, Rakibul Islam, stated that around ten workers had completed their night shift tasks and were resting inside the factory when the fire broke out. He recalled hearing shouts of fire before waking up and rushing to safety. While most managed to escape, Mahmudul and Mostafa reportedly became trapped due to the dense smoke and the sudden spread of flames.
Police officials from Badda Police Station reported that they received information about the fire at around 4:15 a.m. The factory, located on Kabarstan Road and owned by Amir Hossain, was already heavily engulfed when emergency responders arrived. Fire service personnel later recovered the charred bodies of the two victims from the scene. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the fire, though preliminary assessments suggest that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze.
Details of the victims
| Name | Age | Home District | Occupation | Cause of Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahmudul Hasan | 23 | Rangpur | Factory worker (chips) | Burn injuries in factory fire |
| Mostafa Mia | 21 | Rangpur | Factory worker (chips) | Burn injuries in factory fire |
Local residents have raised serious concerns regarding the factory’s safety compliance. They allege that the facility lacked adequate fire extinguishing equipment and did not provide safe sleeping arrangements for overnight workers. These alleged shortcomings may have significantly delayed any effective evacuation during the emergency.
Following the incident, the area was engulfed in mourning, with relatives of the deceased being notified and preparations underway for post-mortem examinations. Officials from the fire service and local administration have already begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the blaze, including a review of the factory’s infrastructure and compliance with safety regulations.
This tragic incident has once again reignited debate over fire safety enforcement in Bangladesh’s small industrial units, particularly those operating in densely populated urban neighbourhoods. Experts argue that without strict monitoring, regular inspections, and properly maintained emergency exits, such fatal accidents are likely to recur.
Authorities have assured that a detailed investigation report will be prepared, after which appropriate legal action will be taken against those found responsible.