Many people remain missing following the devastating fire that broke out at a multistorey commercial building that housed several restaurants in Dhaka’s Bailey Road.
Outside the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), a scene of anguish unfolded early Friday as desperate relatives search for their loved ones.
At least 44 people were killed, and over 20 others sustained severe injuries in the fire.
Photos of missing family members are fervently shown to both police officers and attending physicians in a desperate plea for assistance, yet the only advice they receive is to wait.
Among those searching for answers is Naemul Islam, who anxiously seeks his elder brother Saiful Islam.
Naemul was showing a phone call from his brother after the fire, reassuring him before suddenly losing contact.
Despite searching the burn unit and emergency department, Saiful remains missing, adding to Naemul's mounting despair.
Meanwhile, one Papia Akhter was crying in the corridor outside the emergency department.
Her daughter was last seen in Kacchi Bhai restaurant when the fire erupted. Since then, Papia did not hear anything from her daughter.
Despite doctors' assurances to wait, Papia's anguish only intensifies.
Meanwhile, within the confines of the emergency department, medical staff are fully engaged in tending to the injured from the Bailey Road fire.
To accommodate the influx of patients, many seeking medical attention for unrelated issues are redirected to the new building of DMCH. Asaduzzaman, director at DMCH, said the decision was taken to prioritize the treatment for fire victims.
Outside, a concerted effort by police and Ansar members aims to manage the influx of individuals seeking medical aid.
Urging those with non-fire-related ailments to relocate to the new building, they strive to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently during this critical time.
The fire broke out at the restaurant named “Kacchi Bhai” on the first floor around 9:45pm. Many people were dining in the restaurants when the fire spread to other floors.
Thirteen units of Fire Service were working to bring the blaze under control. Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), general Ansar and Ansar Guard Battalion (AGB) were deployed on the spot.
Fire officials say the blaze spread fast due to the presence of gas cylinders on several floors in the restaurant kitchens. People could not leave the building due to smoke in the staircase.
