Highlights
- A large fire broke out in Dhaka’s Korail slum around 5:22 PM.
- Firefighters are struggling due to water shortage; 16 units are working.
- Hundreds of low-income families lost their homes and belongings.
- Victims say years of savings and installment-bought items burned to ashes.
A massive fire erupted in Korail slum in Dhaka on Tuesday (25 November) at around 5:22 PM. Sixteen units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence rushed to the spot and are working to control the flames. Firefighters say they are facing serious difficulty due to a shortage of water.
Residents Kept Away for Safety
When reporters visited the scene, police and fire service members were not allowing locals to enter the slum area. They warned residents to stay back to avoid any accidents or panic during the ongoing operation.
Read More: Massive Fire Erupts at Dhaka’s Korail Slum, Multiple Fire Service Units Working
People Trying to Save What They Can
Many residents whose homes were still untouched by the flames quickly tried to save important belongings. Some carried items on their heads, while others rushed out with whatever they could grab before the fire reached their homes.
Victims Break Down in Tears
Many families who lived in the slum for years lost everything within minutes.
One resident, Lovely Begum, cried as she said:
“মাসে মাসে কিস্তি দিতে হয়, আগুনে সব শেষ হয়ে গেল।”
Translation: “I have to pay instalments every month, but the fire has destroyed everything.”
She added that she lived in the slum for seven years and had bought items like a TV, fridge, and furniture little by little.
Another resident, garment worker Lucky Akter, said she had heard her home had already burned down:
“শুনেছি আমার ঘর পুড়ে গেছে। এখন আমি কী করব বুঝতে পারছি না।”
Translation: “I heard my home has burned down. I don’t know what I will do now.”
Low-Income Families Face Disaster
Residents say that people like Lovely and Lucky represent hundreds of low-income families who lived in the slum. Many fear they will have to start from zero after losing their homes and belongings.
Fire Still Spreading
According to the Fire Service, the blaze has spread to a large area inside Korail. The shortage of water is making firefighting more difficult, but 16 units are continuing efforts to bring the fire under control.
Source: Dhaka Post
