The harrowing fire that engulfed a seven-storey commercial building, claiming the lives of at least 46 individuals, continues to haunt the survivors days after the catastrophic incident.
Even now, four days after one of the deadliest building fires in the country's history, survivors remain visibly shaken when recalling the events of that tragic night.
Faridul Islam, a food deliveryman who narrowly escaped the blaze with minor injuries, recounts the ordeal with a sense of disbelief. "My family would have been devastated if I hadn't made it out alive. I try not to dwell on that day anymore. I just want to find some peace and be able to sleep soundly."
Kazi Naushad Anam, who had gone to the Kacchi Bhai restaurant to celebrate Leap Year with friends, vividly remembers the moment he realized the severity of the situation. Injured after jumping from the second floor of the building to escape the flames, Naushad is currently receiving treatment for his injuries.
Rakibul Islam's father shares the terrifying experience of receiving frantic calls from his son trapped inside the building. Thanks to the courageous efforts of Rakibul's younger brother and his friends, he was rescued from the washroom by breaking open a window.
Abrar Fardin, an expatriate software engineer, recounts the moments of panic as he and his friends attempted to flee the building. Posting a desperate plea for help on Facebook, Fardin narrowly escaped with burn injuries that landed him in the hospital.
While Fardin recovers from his injuries, his friends Mehedi Hasan and Umme Habiba Sumaiya continue to battle respiratory problems resulting from the fire.
Three survivors remain hospitalized at the burn institute, where they are receiving treatment for various complications. According to Resident Surgeon Dr. Tariqul Islam, these individuals will be discharged once they have fully recovered.
Health Minister Dr. Samanta Lal Sen emphasizes the psychological trauma experienced by survivors, highlighting the need for comprehensive support beyond medical treatment.
Firefighters, who rescued 70 individuals from the rooftop and different floors of the building, attribute suffocation as the primary cause of most deaths. The rapid spread of the fire was exacerbated by gas cylinder explosions stored on multiple floors of the building, escalating the tragedy to unprecedented levels of devastation.
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