The fire was brought under control after two hours of intense efforts.
Four fire engines brought the blaze under control around 7am, Md Saleh Uddin, deputy director of Dhaka Fire Service and Civil Defence, said at a press briefing.
The fire originated in a chemical warehouse located on the third floor of the 12-storey Mamun Plaza on Hatkhola Road around 5am on Wednesday, he said.
"All residents of the 52 residential flats were safely evacuated by firefighters," the fire official added.
Saleh expressed concern over running a chemical business in a residential-cum-commercial building, saying it put the lives of 52 families at risk by ignoring fire safety rules.
Three floors of the 12-storey building are being used for commercial purposes, while the remaining nine floors house 52 residential flats.
The fire officer vowed to continue drives against illegal chemical businesses in residential buildings.
He said there was no Data Reporting Service Provider (DRSP), which is a primary requirement to operate a chemical business.
The DRSP helps determine the appropriate method to bring fires under control, he added.
There was no report of casualties, but a firefighter sustained cut injuries to two of his fingers while conducting the rescue operation.
The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage could not be known immediately.
