In the early hours of Tuesday, a catastrophic fire broke out in one of Dhaka’s busiest commercial hubs, Babu Bazar, sending shockwaves through the local community. The blaze originated on the sixth floor of the fourteen-storey Haji Tower at approximately 6:40 a.m., immediately alarming residents and shopkeepers alike. Within moments, occupants of the building and surrounding businesses evacuated to safety, leaving the area in panic.
According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence, reports of the fire prompted a swift emergency response. Within five minutes, a total of nine fire-fighting units from Sadarghat, Siddiq Bazar, and Sutrapur stations arrived at the scene. Two units from Sadarghat, five from Siddiq Bazar, and two from Sutrapur worked in unison to bring the fire under control. Their coordinated efforts successfully contained the blaze by 7:20 a.m., averting what could have been a far more devastating disaster.
Initial investigations indicate no casualties, though residents and business owners experienced considerable fear and anxiety. Several families and shopkeepers were forced to evacuate the building, while onlookers gathered at a safe distance near the sixth floor, anxiously watching as firefighters battled the flames. Witnesses described tense moments of fear and uncertainty until the fire was fully subdued.
Fire Service officials emphasised the complexity and risk of extinguishing fires in high-rise buildings. They noted that such operations require coordinated efforts from multiple units to prevent escalation and mitigate potential damage to nearby shops, vehicles, and other property.
Local authorities have heightened security measures around the building and are conducting inspections to ensure the safety of neighbouring structures. Preliminary steps are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future, including evaluating fire safety protocols and emergency preparedness in multi-storey buildings.
The precise cause of the fire remains undetermined. Officials have assured the public that a thorough investigation will reveal both the source of the blaze and the extent of property damage. Meanwhile, residents across Old Dhaka are becoming increasingly vigilant about fire safety, reflecting a growing awareness of the risks posed by urban high-rise buildings. Authorities have urged citizens to remain alert and follow all emergency instructions in the event of fire incidents.
This incident has highlighted the urgent need for stringent fire safety regulations and preparedness in Dhaka’s densely populated commercial districts, underscoring the vital role of rapid response and coordinated emergency services in protecting lives and property.