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CHATTOGRAM, Oct 17, 2025 (BSS) - Two separate probe committees have been formed to investigate the devastating fire that broke out in a seven-storey building inside the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) area.

The fire, which started yesterday afternoon, was finally brought under control this morning after nearly 17 hours of relentless efforts. Authorities later declared the building unsafe for reuse due to severe structural damage.

Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Director (Operations and Maintenance) of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, visited the site this afternoon and announced the formation of a five-member committee to determine the origin and cause of the fire. The committee has been asked to submit its report within 15 working days, he said.

He noted that limited space around the building hampered firefighting efforts. "There was no opportunity to extinguish the fire from both sides of the building, but efforts were made from the other two sides," he added.

Tajul Islam said the building's columns and overall structure had been weakened, making it unsafe for entry. "A decision on whether to demolish the building will be made after a technical survey," he said.

He further emphasized that all EPZ buildings should be made compliance-ready and obtain efficiency certificates to prevent such incidents. "Fires not only affect factory owners but also harm the national economy," he observed.

Meanwhile, the CEPZ authorities have formed another five-member investigation committee headed by a fire consultant and comprising experts from related fields. The team has been tasked with conducting a thorough probe and submitting a report within seven days.

CEPZ Executive Director Abdus Sobhan expressed gratitude to the fire service, army, navy, air force, and law enforcement agencies for their swift and coordinated response. He said the first priority after the blaze was to secure the area and ensure the safety of workers. "Fortunately, all workers were safely evacuated without any injuries or casualties," he added.