At least 43 people lost their lives, and numerous others were injured in a fire that erupted late on Thursday in a seven-story building in the capital city of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi Health Minister, Samanta Lal Sen, confirmed the tragic toll, stating, "So far, 43 people have lost their lives due to the fire." Additionally, he mentioned that at least 40 individuals sustained injuries and were being treated at the main burn hospital in the city.

Mohammad Shahab, a fire service official, the blaze originated in a restaurant on Bailey Road on Thursday and swiftly spread to the upper floors, trapping dozens of people. Fortunately, the fire brigade managed to bring the situation under control within two hours.

A statement from the fire service control room revealed that they successfully rescued 75 people, among whom 43 had lost consciousness.

The occurrence of fires in residential buildings and factories is unfortunately common in Bangladesh due to the lax enforcement of safety regulations. In July 2021, a fire at a food processing factory claimed the lives of at least 52 people, including numerous children. Similarly, in February 2019, a fire engulfed several residential buildings in Dhaka, resulting in the death of 70 individuals.

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