Thousands Left Homeless as Fire Ravages Korail Slum

A fire in Dhaka’s Korail slum was brought under control after five hours, by which time thousands of residents had lost everything. With the daylight, the scale of the destruction became evident. Those who survived the night battling the flames returned in the morning to find their belongings reduced to ashes.

On Tuesday (25 November) afternoon, the Fire Service received news of the blaze. Initially, 11 units were dispatched, followed by an additional 9 units. Due to the dense settlement, the fire spread instantly. After tireless efforts by 20 Fire Service units, the fire was brought under control at 10:35 pm.

The initial cause of the fire and the extent of the damage remain unknown. The cries of those who lost their homes made the scene extremely heavy. Many residents were unable to reach their shelters due to the intensity of the fire, standing at a distance and wailing. Some sought refuge in open fields.

Resident Md. Hanif, who works as an assistant mason, said the fire started just before the Maghrib prayer. He received the news 10–15 minutes later and rushed to his home, but by then everything had burnt. Fortunately, his wife was not at home and avoided the risk of burns.

Another affected resident, Zainul, also works as a mason. He hurried from his workplace upon hearing the news but could not reach his house. His wife and children were at home. He learned from neighbours that they were safe, but as of the time of this report, he had not yet reunited with them.

Another resident, Lovely, said, “Everything I had is burnt, nothing is left. I have lived in this slum for seven years and had painstakingly purchased furniture including a TV and fridge. The fire destroyed everything.”

Garment worker Nasima Begum received news of the fire via her sister’s phone and rushed to the slum. She said, “I have heard that my house has burnt down and everything is gone.”

Khaborwala/TSN