'Fire originates from restaurant, safety measures works partly'

A fire broke out in Zaman Tower in Nayapaltan, originating from the restaurant on the sixth floor, with all fire safety measures in the building not working properly, according to Md Saleh Uddin, Deputy Director of the Dhaka Division of the Fire Service.

He made this statement in response to journalists' questions at the scene after the fire was brought under control this morning (February 27).

On information at 5:35am, 14 units were deployed promptly. Nine units were active in controlling the fire, while five were not needed. After two hours of effort, the fire was brought under control by 7:35am, the official said.

Uddin explained that Zaman Tower's central AC and combined glass structure created ventilation issues, allowing the fire to spread upward through electrical lines, affecting the 7th to 10th floors and filling the building with smoke.

"Despite the challenges, fire service personnel worked under hazardous conditions, using external water supplies through TTL before entering the building to extinguish the flames," he added.

Regarding the origin of the fire, this fire service official said, "The blaze started from a restaurant called Dhaka Restaurant on the sixth floor of the tower."

"However, no casualties have been reported so far. Two individuals were rescued from the 10th floor. An investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the repeated fires at Zaman Tower.," he said.