Probe body formed in Uttara fire, no case filed yet

The Fire Service and Civil Defence has formed a five-member committee to investigate the fire at a six-storey building in the capital’s Uttara that claimed six lives on Friday.

Alam Hossain, a senior officer at Uttara Fire Service Station, confirmed the development to The Daily Star yesterday, reiterating that the locked roof door played a critical role in the tragedy.

“The entrance to the roof was locked, which likely contributed to the asphyxiation of the victims. If it had been open, people on the upper floors could have reached safety, and the smoke could have escaped,” Alam said.

“We’re trying to find why the entrance was locked,” he added.

The fire is suspected to have originated in the first-floor apartment belonging to the building owner, while all six victims, who died of asphyxiation, were residents of the fourth floor.

Police identified the building owner as Jewel Mollik, a businessman.

Kaji Rafik, officer-in-charge of Uttara West Police Station, said, “The owner is still out of touch, and we have not yet been able to contact anyone from his family.”

No case had been filed over the incident as of yesterday.

“Police have filed a general diary over the incident. We will register a formal case if any of the victims’ families approach us,” the OC added.

Regarding the building’s status, the OC said the Criminal Investigation Department concluded evidence gathering and unsealed the building yesterday.

However, no residents were seen returning to the building as of yesterday evening.

The six victims, three from one family and three from another, were buried yesterday at their family graveyards in Cumilla and Mymensingh.

The victims are Kazi Fazle Rabbi, 38, his wife Afroza Akter Suborna, 37, and their two-year-old son Kazi Fayaz Rishan; and Hares Mia, 52, his 17-year-old son Rahab, and 14-year-old niece Rodela.

Afrin Jahan, sister of Afroza, told The Daily Star, “Our whole family is still traumatised by what happened. We are mourning.

“After grieving for a few days, we may think about taking legal action. But not right now,” she added.