The government has limited journalists' access to the secretariat after a fire broke out on Thursday, citing the need to ensure the "safety and security of the key point installation (KPI)," according to the chief adviser's press wing.

The fire, which severely damaged parts of Building Seven, raged for nearly 10 hours before firefighters fully extinguished it on Thursday afternoon. 

Tragically, a firefighter lost his life after being struck by a speeding truck while carrying a water hose across the street near the secretariat.

According to the press wing, the government will soon review the existing accreditation cards and invite fresh applications from local and international news outlets for the Press Information Department to issue new cards.

Temporary daily access cards will be issued by respective ministries for any press events. The government regrets the inconvenience and seeks cooperation from journalists, the press wing said.

The government last night issued a notice cancelling all temporary entry passes for private individuals to the secretariat. It also suspended entry passes of all visitors, including journalists, citing "security concerns".

The entry of journalists, who could get into the secretariat with accreditation cards, were also barred from entry until further notice, said the instruction.

BDST: 1237 HRS, DEC 28, 2024
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