Fire at plastic factory cluster imperils densely packed Lalbagh

A massive fire broke out at a cluster of plastic factories in the Lalbagh area of Old Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon, creating serious safety risks in the densely-populated neighbourhood.
The fire erupted at around 1:05 pm near Chairman Ghat, according to the local people and witnesses.
The blaze was brought under control after nearly two and a half hours, at around 4:00pm, with the frantic efforts of eleven units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, according to fire officials.
Sohel, a plastic factory owner in the area, said there are around 15 to 20 small and large plastic factories operating in the locality. "Nearly Tk 700 million (70 crore) worth of plastic products were damaged in the devastating fire," he said, adding that two women were injured during the incident.
He initially claimed the fire originated from a nearby house, but the Fire Service said the blaze started inside a plastic factory and quickly spread to surrounding structures due to the presence of highly flammable materials and the extremely congested setting.
However, Sohel said "The fire did not damage his factory, adding that his unit was out of danger".
Firefighters said the narrow alleyways severely hampered rescue and firefighting operations.
The affected area can only be accessed through a lane so tight that even a rickshaw can barely pass.
Visiting the site later in the afternoon, it was found that the fire started in a tin-shed plastic factory and spread to nearby tin-shed factories and an adjacent eight-storey building.
Local resident Robin warns that the community is living on the edge of disaster, surrounded by a dense cluster of 50 to 60 plastic factories.
While quick-acting firefighters prevented a total catastrophe in the most recent blaze, the danger remains constant.
The stakes are staggering-Robin feared that a single factory fire could incinerate Tk 10 million to Tk 15 million worth of inventory in moments, leaving the neighbourhood both physically and economically vulnerable.
Mahfuza Akter, caretaker of the eight-storey building, said all 25 families living there managed to escape safely. "Everyone came out in time after the fire broke out," she said.
Fire Service Media Cell Inspector Md Anwarul Islam said the first report of the fire came around 1:30pm. "Five units were sent initially, and later six more joined the operation," he said.
The fire fighters reached the spot at 1: 50 pm on the day.
Fire Service Dhaka Division Deputy Director Md Saleh Uddin said a committee would be formed to determine the cause of the fire and assess the total damage.
He strongly criticised the unplanned construction in the area, saying it does not fall under any recognised residential or commercial zoning category.
"The roads are so narrow that even walking is difficult. Firefighters had to risk their lives to control the blaze," he said.
"What kind of people, with what conscience, are constructing and renting buildings in such a densely packed area? In terms of safety and building codes, this place fits into no category at all," he added.
No fatalities were reported as of Wednesday evening, he said.

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