The nation is observing one-day national mourning for the victims of Chawkbazar fire that claimed nearly 70 lives on Feb 20.

A notification, undersigned by Cabinet Division Secretary (coordination) Md Shamshul Alam, was circulated on Sunday (Feb 24) declaring Monday (Feb 25) for the national mourning.

All government, semi-government, autonomous and private institutions and establishments and Bangladesh missions abroad have been asked to keep national flag half-mast.

Meanwhile, the parliament on Monday unanimously adopted a condolence motion expressing profound grief at the deaths.

Speaker of the House Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury moved the motion and prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed souls.

She also expressed her sympathy to the bereaved family members of the victims and wished speedy recovery to the injured.

On Feb 20, a deadly blaze ripped through Old Dhaka’s Chawkbazar, claiming at least 70 lives and injuring over 50 people.

A total of 37 fire-fighting units battled for at least 15 hours to douse the flames.