Dhaka: The nation will observe a day of mourning Saturday for the victims of Thursday night`s devastating house fire in Old Dhaka`s Nimtali area that left piles of charred dead bodies and scores in agonies of burn injuries.

Officials and witnesses said after an overnight haul of around a hundred dead, the death-toll rose to 120 by the latest count on Friday afternoon as the rescuers continued pulling bodies in ones or twos from the wrecks of the dwelling houses and nearby shops.      

As six more bodies were recovered and five died in hospitals till Friday evening, the death of 120 was confirmed from the fire havoc—worst in Bangladesh in living memory.

Rescuers and security workers were still on duty surrounding the burnt-down buildings, where the air was thick with wails or murmurs and mourns.

Brig-Gen Abu Nayeem Mohammed Shahidullah, the fire-service director-general, told banglanews24.com.bd that the death-toll could rise further as many other people suffered fatal burn injuries beyond any hope of recovery. He said over 100 have been admitted into hospitals, mostly into Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).

The Medical College Hospital turned into a veritable hell on earth with the injured lying in infernal torment, with bodies of many burnt all over. Besides, the dead were laid in a line at the hospital morgue.

President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Leader of the Opposition and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, leaders of different political parties and foreign diplomats, in separate condolence messages, expressed their deep shock and sorrow over the colossal loss of life, and property, too.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited the fire victims undergoing treatment at DMCH`s burn unit, canceling all her pre-scheduled programmes, at around 11am Friday.

“At the time, she announced that Saturday will be the day of mourning,” said her deputy press secretary Mahbubul Haque Shakil to banglanews24.com.bd.

Earlier, the prime minister directed the authorities concerned to provide all necessary treatment to the injured and Tk 20,000 to each of the families of the dead as initial aid, Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Mohibul Haque said.

BNP Chairperson and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia also visited the injured at DMCH in the early hours of the day, when she demanded compensation for the families of the deceased.

Begum Zia, accompanied by Dhaka City Mayor Sadek Hossain Khoka, rushed to the hospital at around 2:00am and enquired about their health conditions.  

Home Minister Sahara Khatun, Health Minister AFM Ruhal Haque, Food Minister Dr Abdur Razzaq and State Minister for LGRD Jahangir Kabir Nanak also visited the DMCH to see the injured.

Meanwhile, a three-member probe committee led by Home Ministry`S additional secretary Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury was formed to ascertain the actual cause of the fire which skeptics apprehend may remain clouded in mystery. It was asked to submit repot in seven days.

According to initial reports given by fire officials, the fire broke out after the electrical transformer at Nawab Katra in Nimtali exploded at 8:45 on Thursday night.

Witnesses said they also heard a big bang and saw billows of flames that gutted the houses and shops adjacent to the transformer in no time.

Shamim, a tea-stall owner, told banglanews24.com, “I saw smokes coming out of a chemicals storehouse adjacent to my store. Then I got the sound of a blast and saw the fire broke out devastatingly.”

Eight units of firefighters drove in and doused the blaze after 3 hours of combined combat with other agencies. The fire-service chief, Brig-General Abu Nayeem Mohammad Shahidulla, led the rescue operation. Rapid Action Battalion, Armed Police Battalion and a huge number of local people also joined the rescue operation.

Brig-Gen Abu Nayeem told banglanews24.com.bd, “The congested area hampered the total rescue operation, including movement of firefighters and their equipment to the spot.”

Meanwhile, special prayers were also offered in the mosques, temples and other religious institutions across the country seeking salvation of the departed souls and quick recovery of the injured.

BDST: 1101 am, 4 June 2010
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