Fire in Korail Slum Brings Hundreds onto Streets

A major fire that broke out in the Korail slum of Dhaka was brought under control after more than five hours of firefighting, officials reported. At 10:35 pm on Tuesday, the Fire Service confirmed that the blaze had been contained. Nineteen fire units were deployed to tackle the fire, which began around 5:30 pm. Initially, eleven units began operations, with an additional eight units joining later.

Local residents said the fire primarily affected the Cumilla Potti, Barisal Potti, and ‘C’ Block areas of Bou Bazar, where thousands of homes are located. The flames spread rapidly, destroying numerous structures within a short period. Resident Mohammad Abbas Ali told reporters that the fire’s speed and intensity left families with little time to save their belongings.

In nearby areas such as Baitul Aman, police and Ansar members worked to control crowds and prevent outsiders from entering the affected zones. Volunteer Abdur Rahim said many families fled in panic, leaving their homes empty, and authorities were taking precautions to prevent theft.

Hundreds of displaced residents sought refuge in nearby open spaces, including Khumarbari Eidgah Ground, Ershad School Ground, and Mohakhali T&T Ground. Families gathered under the open sky with the few possessions they managed to salvage. To cope with mosquitoes and the chill of the night, some residents were seen burning wood and plastic to keep warm.

Autoworker Robin Sheikh described how his rented three-room home near Maer Doa School in Cumilla Potti was destroyed. His wife, Nurena Begum, added that the fire originated in Barisal Potti and spread rapidly, leaving them able to salvage only two racks of belongings before fleeing. The incident highlights the vulnerability of slum communities in densely populated urban areas and the ongoing challenges of fire safety and emergency response.