An angry mob pelted bricks and stones at the head office of Fire Service and Civil Defense, located on Kazi Alauddin Road in Old Dhaka on Tuesday at around 9:20am.
The incident took place on the opposite side of the road from the Bangabazar market where a massive fire broke out earlier that day.
Police tried to control the situation and fired several rounds of teargas shells at the mob. Eventually, the police managed to disperse the crowd.
However, despite being told that the fire service is the national wealth of the country and should not be vandalized, the protesters continued to throw bricks and stones at the building.
Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka TribuneThe police reported that some glass of the building was broken due to the attack.
It is unclear why the mob targeted the fire service head office, but it may be related to the ongoing efforts to control the fire in Bangabazar.
Meanwhile, 48 units of the fire service, along with support teams from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, are working tirelessly to control the fire that broke out in Bangabazar around 6am.
Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka TribuneThe fire has spread to the opposite side of the road, causing a shortage of water and hindering the firefighters' efforts.
Garment products and various types of clothing are fueling the fire, causing it to spread quickly. Smoke from the fire is covering the surrounding area, and all roads around Bangabazar have been closed to traffic to allow for the smooth operation of the fire service.
Businesses in the market have been affected severely, with many traders losing everything. Some managed to remove some of their goods from the shops, but most were unable to do so.
Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka TribuneThe cause of the fire in Bangabazar is still unknown, and the situation remains tense as firefighters continue their efforts to bring it under control.
