Chokbazar Fire: Narrow Alleys, Water Shortage Hinder Fire Service
A major fire broke out late Monday night at the Monjur Khan Plaza market in Old Dhaka's densely populated Chokbazar area, remaining uncontrolled for more than four hours despite the arrival of multiple firefighting units. According to Anowarul Islam, an official at the fire service control room, the blaze started around 10 PM on the sixth floor of the seven-story Sattla building, which houses numerous warehouses filled with various goods. The narrow and congested alleyways surrounding the market severely restricted the movement of fire tenders and emergency vehicles, forcing firefighters to battle the flames on foot. Furthermore, the building's warehouses are all locked with individual padlocks, requiring firefighters to break into each room manually, significantly slowing down suppression efforts. Compounding the difficulty, the area suffers from low water pressure, leaving fire engines struggling to access sufficient water supply to douse the intense flames. Local residents reported thick smoke billowing from the building, prompting panic among shopkeepers and residents living in nearby buildings. Fire service personnel worked through the night, eventually bringing the situation under partial control by Tuesday morning. The incident has once again highlighted critical infrastructural challenges in Old Dhaka, where narrow streets, inadequate water systems, and poorly planned commercial establishments pose serious risks during emergencies. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and are considering measures to improve emergency response capabilities in heritage markets. The event underscores the urgent need for better urban planning, regular fire safety audits, and improved coordination between municipal bodies and emergency services to prevent such prolonged disasters in the future.
Key Highlights
- Fire engulfs Monjur Khan Plaza market in Old Dhaka's Chokbazar area late Monday night
- Blaze rages for over four hours due to narrow lanes blocking fire tender access
- Locked warehouses and low water pressure complicate firefighting operations
- Thick smoke causes panic among local residents and shopkeepers
- Incident highlights urgent need for improved urban planning and emergency readiness
Source: প্রথম আলো
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