GAZIPUR: A fire broke out at a synthetic factory of Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) industrial area at Konabari on Saturday morning.

According to fire service officials, the fire originated at Kader Synthetic Fibers Limited around 7:00pm and soon engulfed the entire factory. 

Till filing this report at 13:24, the fire was burning. A total of 12 units of Fire Service and Civil Defense (FSCD) are trying to douse the blaze.

FDCS director (operation and maintenance) Major Shakil Newaj Khan has arrived in the spot to lead the operation.

Shakil told the journalists on the spot that 12 units were working to bring the fire under control and four more units will also be added.

Law enforcing agencies including police and Rapid Action Battalion are assisting the fire service personnel.

No causality happened as all workers managed to come out of the factory, hearing about the fire. Arrangements are being made so that the fire can no longer be spread out there, the director added.

Gazipur FSCD Deputy Assistant Director Akhtaruzzaman Liton told banglanews that the origin of the fire could not be known immediately.

However, firefighters are somewhat facing problem to put out the fire due to water shortage, he added.

Witness said the fire caught inside the factory in the morning and broke out on entire area of the 1st floor within a short time. As a result, the floor developed cracks.

Besides, fire burnt the about 10 to 12 thousands plastic bags there and spread out the adjacent area. It is likely to brake out the whole building anytime. Locals were also helping the firefighters to extinguish the flame.

Meanwhile, at least 8 garment factories, located in nearby area of the burning factory, were declared shut fearing workers’ unrest.

Curious crowd gathered around the spot. Some of them are helping the firefighters. 

Large numbers of law enforcement agencies personnel have been deployed in the area to avert any untoward situations, Rezaul Karim, Officer-In-Charge (OC) of Joydebpur Thnana, told banglanews.

BDST: 1328 HRS, JAN 23, 2015