Wednesday, 26 November, 2025
A fire that broke out at a readymade garment factory in the Kalurghat industrial zone of Chattogram was brought under control after two hours on Tuesday night.
According to the Fire Service control room, the blaze started at 9:30pm at Pan Mark Garments Limited in the BSCIC industrial area. “The fire broke out in the tin-roofed warehouse of the factory,” said Abdul Mannan, deputy assistant director of the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence. The fire was fully contained by 11:30pm. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far, though an assessment of property and stock losses is ongoing. The cause of the fire could not be immediately confirmed.
While this incident ended without loss of life, it comes amid a worrying pattern of deadly fires in Chattogram’s industrial sector over recent months. Earlier this year, a massive fire at a garment warehouse in the same city claimed the lives of several workers, exposing glaring safety lapses including locked exits and overcrowded storage areas. In another tragedy, a chemical storage facility in an industrial zone erupted in flames, forcing hours-long firefighting efforts and leaving dozens injured.
Such recurring incidents highlight persistent safety challenges in Chattogram’s industrial hubs, despite fire safety regulations and awareness programs introduced after high-profile factory disasters across Bangladesh. Experts warn that inadequate infrastructure, flammable construction materials, outdated wiring, and insufficient emergency preparedness continue to put workers at serious risk.
Authorities have urged factory owners to review safety protocols, install functional fire alarms and sprinklers, and conduct regular evacuation drills. Fire Service officials reiterated the need for stronger enforcement of safety standards to prevent future tragedies.
As Bangladesh’s garment industry—responsible for over 80% of the country’s export earnings—remains a global supply hub, repeated fire incidents pose not only human risks but also economic challenges. Disruptions in production, potential delays in international shipments, and rising insurance costs could undermine confidence among global buyers, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic reforms.
Tuesday’s fire, although contained without casualties, serves as yet another reminder of the fragile safety environment in Chattogram’s industrial zones and the need for immediate action to protect both workers and the industry.
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A fire that broke out at a readymade garment factory in the Kalurghat industrial zone of Chattogram was brought under control after two hours on Tuesday night.
According to the Fire Service control room, the blaze started at 9:30pm at Pan Mark Garments Limited in the BSCIC industrial area. “The fire broke out in the tin-roofed warehouse of the factory,” said Abdul Mannan, deputy assistant director of the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence. The fire was fully contained by 11:30pm. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far, though an assessment of property and stock losses is ongoing. The cause of the fire could not be immediately confirmed.
While this incident ended without loss of life, it comes amid a worrying pattern of deadly fires in Chattogram’s industrial sector over recent months. Earlier this year, a massive fire at a garment warehouse in the same city claimed the lives of several workers, exposing glaring safety lapses including locked exits and overcrowded storage areas. In another tragedy, a chemical storage facility in an industrial zone erupted in flames, forcing hours-long firefighting efforts and leaving dozens injured.
Such recurring incidents highlight persistent safety challenges in Chattogram’s industrial hubs, despite fire safety regulations and awareness programs introduced after high-profile factory disasters across Bangladesh. Experts warn that inadequate infrastructure, flammable construction materials, outdated wiring, and insufficient emergency preparedness continue to put workers at serious risk.
Authorities have urged factory owners to review safety protocols, install functional fire alarms and sprinklers, and conduct regular evacuation drills. Fire Service officials reiterated the need for stronger enforcement of safety standards to prevent future tragedies.
As Bangladesh’s garment industry—responsible for over 80% of the country’s export earnings—remains a global supply hub, repeated fire incidents pose not only human risks but also economic challenges. Disruptions in production, potential delays in international shipments, and rising insurance costs could undermine confidence among global buyers, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic reforms.
Tuesday’s fire, although contained without casualties, serves as yet another reminder of the fragile safety environment in Chattogram’s industrial zones and the need for immediate action to protect both workers and the industry.
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