A fire that broke out at Bashundhara City Shopping Mall in the city’s Panthapath area yesterday morning was brought almost under control, nearly eight hours after the incident, reports UNB. The fire broke out on level 6 of the market around 11:30 am, said fire service control room sources. Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defence Brig Gen Ali Ahmed Khan said 29 firefighting units are trying to bring the blaze under control. They are facing problems as there is scarcity of water at the backside of the shopping mall, he said.
“We’ve already sought assistance from the City Corporation and Wasa (Water Supply and Sewerage Authority) for water,” said the DG. No one was injured in the market as all got out of the complex soon after the fire alarm, he added.Masud Ranaa, a shop owner of the shopping mall, said the fire originated from a footwear shop, Khandaker Show. Talking to reporters, director (operations) of Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters Major Shakil Neowaj said the fire could not spread from level-6 to other floors but it engulfed 7-8 showrooms of  the floor. He said they have been able to bring the fire under control partially but not fully yet. Smoke was seen billowing out of the building but there is no casualty, he said.
“We’ve taken all kinds of steps so that the fire can’t spread to other floors,” Major Shakil said. General manager (HR/admin) of Bashundhara City Development Limited Major (retd) Mostafa Rahel Imam said, “The fire broke out from a footwear showroom. It’s just an accident. The fire couldn’t spread to other floors as our employees took prompt primary steps to douse the blaze.” Deputy Director of Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters Mizanur Rahman said they rescued 11 security guards from level-8 around 4:20 pm while eight more people rescued from level-6 around 1 pm.