Chattogram, Oct 17 (V7N) — A massive fire that broke out at a factory in the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) has been burning uncontrollably for more than 10 hours despite continuous efforts from multiple firefighting units. The blaze, which started around 2:10 p.m. on Thursday, was still raging past 1 a.m. Friday, engulfing a seven-story building housing two export-oriented factories.

A total of 23 firefighting units—including 15 from CEPZ, Agrabad, Port, and KEPZ Fire Stations, as well as additional support from the Navy, Air Force, and two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB)—have been deployed to bring the fire under control.

According to officials, the fire originated in the warehouses of Adams Caps and Textile Ltd. and Jihong Medical Company. Adams manufactures towels and caps, while Jihong Medical produces surgical gowns. CEPZ Executive Director Abdus Subahan confirmed that both factories suffered extensive damage.

Fire Service Deputy Director Jasim Uddin said firefighters have been battling the blaze continuously for more than 10 hours under extremely difficult conditions. “Many of our personnel have fallen ill or become exhausted, but we are still working tirelessly to protect surrounding buildings,” he said. “The fire is being fueled by flammable materials stored inside the factory, which is making our task even more challenging.”

Although the factory management has assured that no workers are trapped inside, firefighters successfully rescued 25 individuals who were stranded on the sixth and seventh floors due to heavy smoke. They were later moved to safety.

Witnesses reported that heavy rain around 11 p.m. briefly raised hopes of controlling the flames, but the fire continued to burn intensely into the night. From nearby rooftops, thick black smoke and red flames were visible across the industrial zone.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire or assess the extent of the damage. However, initial reports suggest that large quantities of flammable materials—such as fabrics and chemicals used in textile processing—may have accelerated the spread.

The Fire Service and Civil Defense Department has announced that a full investigation will be launched once the fire is completely extinguished to determine the cause and estimate the losses.

Local residents gathered near the site, expressing concern over the growing number of industrial fires in export zones across Bangladesh. Industrial safety experts have long warned that inadequate fire suppression systems, congested factory layouts, and improper storage of hazardous materials continue to pose serious risks to workers and property in the country’s export industries.

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