Bangladesh market fire brought under control after 12 hours

Firefighters brought a blaze at Manzur Khan Plaza in Bangladesh’s Old Dhaka under control at 5:20 a.m. Tuesday after more than 12 hours, the Fire Service said.

Crews were still extinguishing remaining flames inside the Chawkbazar building. Four firefighters became ill from smoke inhalation and were under observation at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. No civilian casualties had been reported.

The fire began on the sixth floor at 5:02 p.m. Monday. Twelve firefighting units and about 150 firefighters participated, with help from volunteers and residents.

Fire Service director of operations and maintenance Md Mahmudul Hasan said narrow roads, structural complexities, and large quantities of stored goods prolonged the operation. Preliminary information suggested cosmetics and bag warehouses were involved. Officials had not determined financial losses or the number of affected shops.