The intact offices housed in fire ravaged Building No-7 of Secretariat have started slowly edging back to normal operation 10 days after the fire, reports bdnews24.com.
Officials have resumed operations up to the fifth floor, while the fire-damaged upper levels remain off-limits, a police officer overseeing the site said on Sunday.
The fifth floor of the ten-storey building houses the Ministry of Labour and Employment, a part of the Posts and Telecommunications Division, and the Ministry of Finance.
Rezaur Rahman, an administrative officer of the Local Government Division working on the second floor, said: "We were able to enter last Wednesday as well, but no work could be done. Although the power line is operational today, the internet, telephone, and intercom lines are still down. Still, we are continuing our official activities as much as possible."
Assistant Engineer Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan of the Public Works Department said, "The building is operational today. Telephone and internet connections will also be operational very soon."
Access to the Secretariat has been tightly controlled since the fire, with only senior officials, secretaries, and advisors allowed entry. Visitors and temporary pass holders remain barred from the premises. However, on Sunday, additional secretaries and other mid-level officials were being allowed to enter the building with their cars.
Housing and Public Works Secretary Md Hamidur Rahman Khan said engineers are still inspecting the affected areas. Once the inspection is completed, it can be repaired within a maximum of 15 days.
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