Dhaka, Jan 05 (V7N) — The number seven building of the Bangladesh Secretariat reopened 11 days after a fire incident, allowing limited access while repair work on the damaged floors continues under strict supervision.
The building was opened on Sunday morning.
Access is available up to the fifth floor and the fire-damaged sections are expected to be repaired in 10 to 12 days, according to the relevant authorities.
From Sunday morning, the building is open to everyone except for the 6th to 9th floors.
However, the lifts are not operational.
Police officers are stationed at the stairway on the fifth floor, restricting access.
Only those with permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs are allowed entry.
At around 11:30am, the Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Md Hamidur Rahman Khan, visited the building.
He informed the media that repairs on the damaged four floors would take 10 to 12 days, and the engineers have assured that the repairs could be completed within that timeframe.
He said that efforts are being made to finish the work as soon as possible.
He also mentioned that water supply has not been restored yet, but they expect it to be available by the end of the day.
The fire was caused by an electrical "loose connection".
When asked about any actions against those responsible, the Secretary responded that it would be dealt with by the investigation committee.
Meanwhile, vehicles are allowed to enter the Secretariat after 11 days.
Workers from various sections of the Public Works Department can be seen repairing the building.
The fire on the night of December 25-26 caused significant damage to four floors of the building, housing offices of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Labor and Employment, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
END/MSS/AJ
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