Investigations into early-hour market fires continue: Home Minister

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Sunday said members of the law enforcement agencies are conducting investigations into every fire that broke out in the early hours in some city markets.

There is a reason behind every fire in the early hours. It can also be caused by electrical problems, short-circuit or sabotage. We are not yet sure about the real causes. Investigating is going on, he said.

Kamal, also a heroic freedom fighter, said this in response to a question from reporters after a programme for distributing Eid items among people at Tejgaon industrial area, reports BSS.

Now all we have a question, why were there frequent fire incidents that also broke out late night? However, before the investigation, I can’t make any comment about the reason, he said.

Dhaka north city Awami League general secretary S M Mannan Kochi, leaders and workers of affiliated organizations, including Jubo League and Chhatra League, were present during the Eid items distribution.

The minister said, A question has arisen among all of us - why such fire accidents are taking place frequently and at late night? This is the question of everyone.

Replying to another question about having any political connection of the recent fires, he said, I can't say anything without being sure. Many people can say a lot. However, we will be able to say about the exact cause of the fire only after investigation.

Meanwhile, officer-in-charge of "The Life Saving Force" headquarters (media cell) Mohammad Shahjahan Shikdar told BSS that a total of 30 people, including three fire service officers, 21 fire fighters, two volunteers, two Ansar members, one scout and a sergeant of the air force were injured in the fire accident at Dhaka New Super Market. They are undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Sheikh Hasina National Burn Institute and other hospitals.

However, a total of 31 people including 25 fire service personnel were injured during the fire fighting.