Massive Fire at Bangladesh Secretariat: Damaged Documents and Suspicion of Sabotage

In a tragic incident, a massive fire engulfed Building 7 of the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka early Thursday morning, causing significant damage to official documents and halting normal operations. The blaze, which lasted nearly six hours, has raised suspicions of sabotage due to its unusual nature and timing.

What Happened?

The fire erupted in three different spots on the sixth, seventh, and eighth floors of the nine-storey building, which houses seven key ministries within the high-security complex. Firefighters worked tirelessly to bring the flames under control. Despite the severity of the fire, no casualties were reported.

Brigadier General Zahed Kamal, chief of the fire service, highlighted that the simultaneous outbreak of fires in multiple locations suggests it may not have been an accidental incident.

Impact of the Fire

The fire caused a power outage that disrupted operations across the Secretariat. Entry into the complex was restricted, preventing many officials and staff from resuming their duties.

The blaze severely damaged a significant volume of documents from the local government and post & telecommunications ministries. These documents reportedly included critical evidence of corruption involving millions of dollars during the tenure of the ousted Awami League regime.

Response from Authorities

Local government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, who played a pivotal role in the movement that led to the ouster of ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime, expressed strong suspicion of foul play. "The conspirators have not stopped their activities," he stated, vowing strict action against those found responsible.

In response to the incident, the government has formed a seven-member high-powered investigation committee. Headed by Additional Secretary Mohammad Khaled Rahim, the committee has been tasked with identifying the cause of the fire, determining accountability, and recommending measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The committee has been given seven working days to submit its findings.

A Nation on Edge

The fire has not only caused material damage but also deepened political tensions in Bangladesh. The timing of the fire, coupled with its impact on crucial documents, has fueled suspicions of sabotage. As the investigation unfolds, the country eagerly awaits answers to the pressing questions surrounding this tragic incident.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding critical government infrastructure and documents. It also highlights the need for swift and transparent investigations to maintain public trust during such crises.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

Referebce from:-https://indianexpress.com/article/news-today/massive-fire-breaks-out-at-bangladesh-secretariat-official-documents-damaged-9745415/?utm_source=Taboola_Recirculation&utm_medium=RC&utm_campaign=IE