United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep shock at the loss of lives in the deadly fire that broke out in Chawkbazar area of Old Dhaka, reports state news agency BSS.

“I would like to express my condolences to you, and to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, for the loss of life and destruction caused by the devastating fire in the Chawkbazar area of Dhaka on
February 20,” Guterres said in a message sent to President Abdul Hamid on Saturday (Feb 23).

The condolence message was sent to Abdul Hamid through the Bangladesh Mission to the United Nations in New York.

In the message, the UN Secretary General wished the injured a speedy recovery and commend the efforts undertaken by the national emergency services to respond to the fire and assist those in need.

Guterres assured the UN stands in solidarity and support at this critical time.