Deceased firefighter Shamim Ahmed- Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Sept 23, 2025 (BSS) - A fireman who sustained cent percent burn injuries in the explosion of a chemical warehouse in Tongi on Monday died at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (NIBPS) this afternoon. 

The deceased was identified as firefighter Shamim Ahmed (42), hailing from Netrokona. He is survived by his wife and three children.

He succumbed to his burn injuries around 3:00 pm at the NIBPS, confirmed Talha bin Zasim, media officer of the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD).

His Namaz-e-Janaza will be held at the FSCD headquarters this evening, he added.

Shamim along with his three colleagues suffered burn injuries when an explosion occurred at a tin-shed chemical godown while they were dousing a flame that erupted in the warehouse at Sahara Market in Tongi, Gazipur, at around 3:29 pm on Monday, fire service sources said. 

Seven firefighting engines brought the fire under control around 7:00 pm after about two hours of frantic efforts. 

Firefighters Shamim (42) and Nurul Huda (40) suffered nearly 100 percent burn injuries, while Fire Officer Khondoker Jannatul Nayem (35) sustained 42 percent burn injuries, and firefighter Joy Hasan (24) received five percent burn injuries.

Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today visited the fire victims at the burn institute and assured them of giving the best treatment.

He also assured that they will be given full support from the government, the Home Ministry, and Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) to ensure their best treatment.

Speaking to journalists, NIBPS Acting Director Dr Md Nashir Uddin said the condition of three victims is critical as two of them suffered nearly 100 percent burn injuries, one sustained 42 percent burns, while one is in intermediate condition with five percent burns.

"We will do whatever is required from our side," he said.

FSCD Director General (DG) Brigadier General Muhammad Jahed Kamal last night visited the injured fire service personnel at the NIBPS immediately after they were taken to the facility. 

With Shamim, the number of firefighters who sacrificed their lives while performing their duties reached 49, FSCD sources said.