Chemical Explosion and Fire Kill 16 at Garment Factory in Dhaka’s Rupnagar

At least 16 people have been confirmed dead following a massive fire and chemical explosion at a garment factory in Rupnagar, Mirpur, Dhaka, on October 17, 2025. The victims’ bodies were discovered on the second and third floors of a four-storey building, many beyond recognition due to severe burns.
Authorities said that identification will only be possible through DNA testing, and all bodies have been individually transported to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for examination and verification.

“The victims lost consciousness after inhaling toxic gas and died instantly,” said Fire Service Director Lt Col Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury.

Cause and Conditions

Officials believe the fire began in the compound of a nearby pharmaceutical company before spreading rapidly following a chemical explosion. A sudden flashover released highly toxic fumes, which quickly filled the upper floors of the building.
The structure’s rooftop exit was found locked with two padlocks, and the roof itself was made of tin and thatched materials, creating a deadly trap for workers. With both vertical and rooftop escapes blocked, those inside the second and third floors had no means of escape as flames and smoke engulfed the space.

“The combination of stored chemicals and blocked exits turned this building into a death trap,” said a senior fire officer on site.

Firefighting Operations

Firefighters were alerted at 11:40 a.m., with the first unit arriving 16 minutes later. Twelve firefighting teams worked to control the blaze, using drones and loop monitoring technology to assess the internal temperature and structure before entering the warehouse.
Teams confirmed the presence of multiple hazardous chemicals stored in the facility, including hydrogen peroxide, bleaching powder, enzymes, meta potash, and salt. These substances intensified both the fire and the production of toxic smoke.
Witnesses described thick black smoke and rising flames as emergency personnel struggled to reach the trapped workers.


Regulatory and Safety Failures

Authorities later confirmed that neither the garment factory nor the chemical storage facility had obtained the required fire safety licence or operational approval. There was no fire safety plan, no fire protection system, and no emergency evacuation route in the building.

“This tragedy reflects a complete disregard for basic fire safety standards,” said a local official. “Lives were lost because safety compliance was treated as optional.”

Aftermath

The incident has renewed scrutiny of industrial safety enforcement in Bangladesh’s manufacturing sector, where illegal chemical storage and unlicensed operations remain widespread. Investigations are ongoing to determine liability and to identify the owners responsible for maintaining the facility.