Dhaka, Oct 15 (V7N) — Sixteen people have died in a devastating fire that broke out at a factory and a Cosmic Pharma chemical godown in the Shialbari area of Mirpur, Dhaka. The authorities have begun the process of identifying the victims and will hand over the bodies to their relatives after DNA verification, according to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) Director Brigadier General Md. Asaduzzaman.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday (October 15), the DMCH director said that among the 16 recovered bodies, nine are men and seven are women. However, the victims have been severely burned and mutilated, making identification extremely difficult.

“Relatives of at least ten victims have already approached us for identification. But the district administration and police are waiting for confirmation before handing over any bodies,”
said Brig. Gen. Asaduzzaman.

He added that the Forensic Medicine Department has begun collecting DNA samples to ensure proper identification. “The bodies will be handed over to the families as soon as possible with the cooperation of the administration and the police,” he assured.

Meanwhile, toxic smoke continues to rise from the building, nearly a day after the fire broke out. The air remains heavy with chemical fumes, and around 50 people from nearby factories — including Rising Group — have fallen ill. Many have been hospitalized, while surrounding offices and factories have been temporarily closed due to health and safety concerns.

The fire began around 11:30 am on Tuesday at the Shah Alam Chemical Godown in Rupnagar, Shialbari, Mirpur. Despite hours of effort, firefighters have yet to fully extinguish the blaze, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

END/SMA/AJ