Fire engulfs Jamela Tower in Keraniganj, 42 evacuated

A major fire ripped through a multi-storey building in Keraniganj’s busy Babubazar area early Saturday, triggering frantic rescue efforts as dozens of occupants were trapped inside.

The Fire Service and Civil Defence received the alert at 5:37am and rushed multiple units to the scene.

Officials said the fire broke out on the ground floor of Jamela Tower, quickly sending thick smoke through the building.

Firefighters from Keraniganj, Sadarghat and Siddiqbazar stations were initially deployed, with eight units battling the blaze. As the fire intensified, reinforcements were called in, raising the total number of units to 12.

Amid the chaos, firefighters carried out a dramatic rescue operation, safely evacuating 42 people from the building using staircases.

However, no casualties were reported in the immediate aftermath, firefighters said. "Firefighting operations were continuing, while the cause of the blaze remains unknown."

Authorities said further details would be available after the fire is fully brought under control.