Two separate probe panels have been formed to inquire into the devastating fire that ripped through several buildings at Old Dhaka’s Chawkbazar late on Wednesday (Feb 21) killing at least 70 people and injuring dozens others.
The Ministry of Industries formed a 12-strong committee headed by Additional Secretary Md Mufizul Hoque to look into the incident.
“A 12-member committee has been formed to find out the cause of the fire outbreak and assess the damages inflicted by the blaze as well as to make recommendations to prevent further incident,” Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun told the media after visiting the burn victims at Dhaka Medical College Hospital in the afternoon.
The panel has been asked to report within five days, said a Press Information Department handout.
The Fire Service and Civil Defence has formed another 3-member committee led by its deputy director (operations) to look into the incident.
“The team has been asked to report within seven days” Fire Service Director (Operations) AKM Shakil Newaz told reporters at the scene in the morning.

More on the deadly blaze
Gas cylinder blast caused fire, nothing to with chemicals: Minister


Relatives seek last remains of loved ones


Old Dhaka buildings are self-made explosives: Fire dept chief


At least 70 killed in Chawkbazar fire