A massive fire broke out at a factory in the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) on Thursday, which remains completely out of control more than five hours later.

Despite hours of work by 16 units of Fire Service and 4 units of Navy, the blaze remains uncontrolled, with serious concerns that the seven-storey building may collapse due to the intense heat.

An eyewitness said that water is being drawn from nearby reserve tanks to combat the fire, but the efforts appear to have had limited effect.

By evening, the fire had already spread to an adjacent tin-shed structure, raising further alarm.
According to officials, the factory manufactures medical equipment used in hospitals.

There have been no confirmed reports of workers being trapped inside the building, according to police sources.
Chattogram Metropolitan Police’s Bandar Zone Additional Deputy Commissioner Md Jahangir stated that the flames have engulfed a significant portion of the structure and have severely weakened it.

Talha Bin Jasim, a spokesperson for Fire Service Headquarters, confirmed that the fire started on the fifth floor and rapidly spread to the sixth and seventh floors.

Efforts are continuing late into the evening, as authorities work to prevent a larger disaster and ensure the safety of surrounding areas.