Death toll rises to 16 in Mirpur blaze

The death toll from a devastating fire at a garment factory and adjacent chemical warehouse—identified as Cosmic Pharma—in Shialbari, Mirpur, has climbed to 16, with several others suffering severe burns and admitted to hospitals across the capital.

Fire Service Control Room Officer Talha Bin Jasim confirmed the updated figures on Tuesday evening, stating that all recovered bodies were found inside the garment factory building. The remains have since been transported to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examinations.

“Firefighting operations are still ongoing at the chemical godown,” Jasim added, noting that hazardous materials stored on-site have complicated efforts to fully extinguish the blaze.

Amid the chaos, distraught families continue to search desperately for missing loved ones. Relatives are flooding the fire site and nearby hospitals, clutching photographs and pleading for information. Many have collapsed in tears upon learning of the fatalities or failing to locate those unaccounted for.

The area surrounding the fire-ravaged complex—and the roads leading to it—has become a scene of anguish, filled with the wails of grieving families. Local authorities have yet to release an official list of the missing, but community members estimate the number could be significant.

Rescue and recovery efforts remain underway as officials brace for the possibility that the death toll may rise further.

Talha Bin Jasim, Officer-in-Charge of the Fire Service’s media cell, confirmed that the fire broke out at approximately 11:40 am. Firefighters arrived on the scene at 11:56 am, initially deploying five units. As the situation escalated, six additional units were dispatched, bringing the total to 12 fire tenders now battling the flames.

“The fire is not yet under control,” Jasim said during a press briefing on Tuesday afternoon. He added that the presence of chemical materials in the warehouse has significantly hampered firefighting efforts and increased the risk to both responders and nearby residents.

Two of the injured have been admitted to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute. According to hospital sources, they are Md. Suruj (30), who sustained 2% burns, and Md. Mamun (35), who is suffering from acute respiratory distress likely caused by smoke inhalation.

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities have not yet disclosed the full extent of structural or material damage. Jasim stated that a detailed investigation will follow once the fire is fully extinguished and the site is deemed safe.

The incident has reignited public concern over industrial safety standards in Dhaka’s densely packed commercial zones, particularly where flammable chemicals are stored alongside manufacturing units. This tragedy comes less than a month after a deadly fire at the Famous Chemical warehouse in Tongi on September 22 claimed the lives of three firefighters—Khandaker Jannatul Naeem, Shamim Ahmed, and Nurul Huda—as well as Babu Hawlader (24), a nearby shop employee.

Local residents reported thick plumes of black smoke and multiple small explosions from the Shialbari site, prompting panic in the surrounding neighbourhood. Emergency services continue to evacuate nearby buildings as a precaution.

Names of the deceased in the current incident have not yet been officially released, pending identification and family notification.