DHAKA, Dec 13, 2025 (BSS) - Firefighting efforts to control a blaze at the 12-storey Jabal Noor Tower, also known as Jamela Tower, in Keraniganj's Babu Bazar area were significantly delayed due to limited access to the building's basement, officials said.

The fire broke out early this morning and was reported to the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) at 5:37 am. 

Firefighting units reached the scene within eight minutes, but operations were hampered as the basement-shared by several interconnected buildings-has only two entrances. 

Many shops on the ground floors were locked which further slowed the efforts to reach the source of the fire. 

A total of 20 firefighting units from Keraniganj, Sadarghat and Siddiq Bazar fire stations were deployed to bring the blaze under control.

FSCD media officer Anwarul Islam said 45 people were rescued safely from the building and no casualties were reported.

According to fire service officials, the fire originated on the ground floor around dawn, but the exact cause could not be determined immediately. 

The first and second floors of the mixed-use building house garment shops and small jhut (garment waste) godowns, while residential units are located on the upper floors.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel were deployed to the site to maintain law and order, manage crowds and ensure the smooth movement of emergency responders, BGB public relations officer Shariful Islam said.

Fire service officials said a detailed investigation will be conducted after the situation is fully brought under control.