‘Everything I owned has turned to ash’

A devastating fire continues to rage through the capital’s Karail slum, with 13 Fire Service and Civil Defence units battling the flames and three more struggling through heavy traffic to reach the scene.

The alarm was raised at 5:22 pm on Tuesday. 

By 6:05 pm, 13 units had arrived and begun firefighting operations, according to Rashed Bin Khalid, Duty Officer at the Fire Service Central Control Room.

Hundreds of shanties have already been reduced to charred remains, leaving residents distraught.

Standing amid the smouldering wreckage, Lovely Begum wept uncontrollably as rescue workers passed by.

“Brother, everything I had is gone,” she sobbed. “I’ve lived here seven years and saved every taka to buy things little by little – a television, a fridge, furniture. I was still paying the monthly instalments. This fire has taken it all.”

Garment worker Nasima Begum raced home after her sister called with the news. “I’m told my house is completely burnt,” she said, voice breaking. “I don’t know what I’m going to do now.”

Fire officials have yet to determine the cause of the blaze or confirm any casualties. The narrow lanes and intense traffic in the area are hampering efforts to bring the fire under control.