Seven years on, justice eludes Churihatta fire victims’ families

Seven years ago today, on February 20, the devastating fire at Churihatta in Old Dhaka’s Chawkbazar claimed 71 lives. The horrific night continues to haunt the victims’ families, whose grief over losing their loved ones has been compounded by a prolonged wait for justice. Although the day is observed each year through prayer gatherings and remembrance ceremonies, legal proceedings remain unfinished even after seven years.

The deadly fire broke out around 10:30 pm on February 20, 2019, at Wahed Mansion, a four-storey building at the Churihatta intersection under Chawkbazar Police Station. Due to the presence of chemicals, plastic goods, and perfume shops and warehouses in tightly packed buildings, the flames spread rapidly to nearby areas.

The area was heavily congested that night, with roads packed with rickshaws, private cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians. As loud explosions accompanied the sudden spread of the fire, panic gripped the area, and many people lost their lives before they could escape.

Although 37 firefighting units brought the blaze under control after nearly 14 hours of effort, the entire area had already turned into a scene of devastation. A total of 67 charred bodies were recovered from the spot, with the death toll later rising to 71. Shops, rickshaws, and vehicles were completely burnt and mangled.

Initially, authorities suspected a gas cylinder explosion, but investigations later found that the fire originated on the second floor of Wahed Mansion, where large quantities of highly flammable chemicals, plastics, and cosmetic products were stored alongside retail shops. These hazardous materials allowed the fire to spread rapidly. Despite the scale of the tragedy, the legal process has remained largely stalled seven years later.

Sources concerned said the case remains stuck at the witness testimony stage. Of the 126 listed witnesses, only seven have testified so far. All accused individuals are currently out on bail and leading normal lives.

According to the charge sheet, police collected 49 pieces of evidence in four categories following the incident. Among them were 26 tubes, bottles, and cans of various cosmetic products. These samples were sent to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) laboratory for examination, which detected eight types of highly flammable substances in the perfumes.

The charge sheet identified these highly combustible chemicals — found in canisters and bottles of 10 different perfume brands — as the main cause behind the rapid spread of the fire.

Eyewitnesses said loud explosions were heard inside Wahed Mansion after the fire broke out, with burning cans exploding and being hurled onto the streets.

Relatives of the victims allege that although nearly Tk 30 crore in assistance was reportedly pledged by various private banks during the tenure of the then Sheikh Hasina government for bereaved and affected families, they have not received any of the funds.

Each year, families commemorate the day through prayer gatherings at the Churihatta intersection, seeking peace for the souls of those who lost their lives.