Fire Breaks Out

On April 4, 2023, a massive fire ravaged Dhaka’s Bangabazar market, destroying over 3,800 shops and causing huge financial losses just before Eid. Thousands of small traders lost their livelihoods, prompting urgent aid and calls for better fire safety.

Credits

• Photography: Saimun Nur Saurin

On April 4, 2023, a massive fire broke out at the Bangabazar Shopping Complex in Dhaka, Bangladesh, devastating one of the city’s busiest clothing markets. The blaze erupted early in the morning and quickly spread through thousands of tightly packed shops, most of which sold garments ahead of the Eid festival. Despite the efforts of firefighters, army personnel, and emergency responders, it took over six hours to bring the fire under control. In total, 3,845 shops were destroyed, resulting in an estimated financial loss of Tk 303 crore (approximately $27.7 million USD). Investigators later suggested that the fire may have been caused by a burning cigarette or mosquito coil. The incident sparked public outrage, with angry crowds attacking the Fire Service headquarters, damaging vehicles and injuring staff. The tragedy left thousands of small traders without livelihoods, prompting emergency aid from the government and private organizations, including financial support from the Prime Minister. The Bangabazar fire underscored the urgent need for improved fire safety measures in Dhaka’s congested commercial zones.