A devastating fire that broke out in a slum in the Kalshi area of Mirpur in the capital was brought under control after more than two hours of firefighting efforts on Monday night.
According to the Fire Service control room, the blaze was contained at around 9:35pm following the deployment of 15 firefighting units.
Fire Service and Civil Defence officials said they received the first report of the blaze at 7:23pm, with initial units arriving at the scene by 7:32pm and immediately launching firefighting operations. Additional units were subsequently dispatched, bringing the total to 15 to help control the flames.
Police and army personnel were deployed to the area to maintain order and manage crowds as firefighters continued their operations.
The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage could not be immediately determined, officials said.