Anwarul Islam Dolan, an official of the media cell at Fire Service Headquarters, confirmed the information on Saturday (December 13).
He said the fire was reported at around 5:37 am. The first fire service unit reached the scene at 5:45 am and immediately began efforts to extinguish the fire. Subsequently, a total of 14 units from Keraniganj, Sadarghat and Siddiq Bazar fire stations joined the operation.
According to fire service officials, the fire originated on the ground floor of the building. Dense smoke spread rapidly throughout the structure, causing panic among occupants.
Fire Service and Civil Defence Department OC (Media) Shahjahan Sikder said the fire was brought under control by 8:30 am. He added that 42 people were rescued from different floors and brought down safely using staircases.
The cause of the fire and the extent of damage could not be determined immediately. No casualties were reported as of the filing of this report. Law enforcement personnel were also present at the scene.
Fire service authorities said a detailed investigation would be conducted, and further information would be shared once the situation is fully assessed.
