A fire broke out on the eighth floor of the new Cabinet building of Dhaka Secretariat on Sunday, 30 November, prompting a swift response from the city’s fire services. Fortunately, the blaze was brought under control quickly, and no casualties were reported.
According to the Dhaka Fire Service, the incident was caused by an electrical fault in an external adjust fan located on the ninth floor of the 20-storey building. The malfunction led to a small fire, which was effectively extinguished using a fire extinguisher, preventing the need for major firefighting operations.
Three fire service units were dispatched immediately to the scene. Firefighters confirmed that the fire did not spread beyond the immediate area and that the situation was fully under control within a short period.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Dhaka Secretariat, new Cabinet building |
| Floor of Incident | Eighth floor (source: ninth-floor fan) |
| Cause | Electrical fault in external adjust fan |
| Response | Three fire service units dispatched |
| Method of Control | Fire extinguisher used; major units not required |
| Casualties | None |
| Evacuation | All personnel evacuated safely |
| Building Details | 20-storey Cabinet building |
Authorities reported that all personnel inside the building were evacuated safely as a precautionary measure. The fire, though small, highlighted the importance of routine electrical maintenance and the readiness of on-site firefighting measures.
Officials emphasised that while the fire was minor, the prompt response ensured the safety of staff and prevented potential damage to the building. They also reiterated the need for regular safety drills and inspections in high-rise government buildings to prevent similar incidents.
The Dhaka Secretariat is a major government administrative hub, and incidents like this underscore the significance of fire safety protocols in large office complexes. Fire service authorities advised that electrical systems and equipment be routinely checked to minimise risks, especially in buildings with high daily occupancy.
The incident has been resolved without injury or major property damage, and operations in the building resumed as normal shortly after the fire was extinguished.