DHAKA, Sept 23, 2025 (BSS) –The Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) has called upon the people not to move within 100 meter radius of the chemical warehouse, which was damaged in a massive fire on Monday afternoon, citing health risks. 

“We’re requesting the common people not to move within the 100 meter radius of the chemical godown in Tongi as it may cause health risks,” Deputy Dirtector, Dhaka division of the FSCD, Saleh Uddin told a media briefing at the spot this afternoon. 

Gas is still leaking from the chemical warehouse, which is very harmful for the people, he continued. 

The fire service officer imposed the restriction on movement of the common people within 100 meter radius of the warehouse after visiting the site with two chemical engineers and also teachers of the BUET. 

 There is a chance of occurring fire at the chemical warehouse as heat and smoke are still being produced from it, he opined. 

“We have restricted 100 meter radius area by putting a mark with tape. We urged all to avoid the restricted areas,” he said. 
 The fire broke out at the chemical warehouse at Sahara Market in Tongi, Gazipur, around 3:29 pm on Monday which was later brought under control with two and a half hours of intense efforts around 7pm the same day. 

Four firemen suffered burn injuries when an explosion occurred at the chemical go-down while they were dousing the flame. 

Fire fighters Shamim Ahmed (42) and Nurul Huda (40) suffered nearly 100 percent burn injuries, while Fire Officer Khondoker Jannatul Nayem (35) sustained 42 percent burn injuries, and firefighter Joy Hasan (24) received five percent burn injuries in the fire.

Of them, firefighter Shamim Ahmed (42) succumbed to his injuries around 3:00 pm today at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (NIBPS) and other inured firefighters are now undergoing treatment at the public health facility. 

His Namaz-e-Janaza was held at the FSCD headquarters this evening. 

“Condition of two firemen, Nurul Huda and Nayem is still critical,” Resident Surgeon of NIBPS told BSS.  

 Earlier in the morning, Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury visited the fire victims at the burn institute and assured them of giving the best treatment.

Later in the evening, in a condolence motion, the Home Adviser expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of firefighter Shamim Ahmed and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.