A high-level investigation committee has revealed that the fire at Building 7 of the Bangladesh Secretariat originated from an electrical spark caused by loose connections. 

The committee, formed following the devastating fire, submitted its preliminary report to Chief Adviser Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (Dec 31).

At a press briefing held at the Jamuna State Guest House gate, Nasimul Gani, the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the head of the investigation committee, said that no evidence of sabotage was found. 

However, the investigation highlighted several design flaws and fire safety lapses that exacerbated the situation.

Details of the Incident

The fire broke out on the night of December 26, between 1:30 and 1:40 am, in the sixth-floor lift lobby corridor of Building 7. CCTV footage confirmed that the blaze was triggered by an electrical spark. 

Experts identified loose connections, faulty cable joints, and surface oxidation as possible causes of the spark, which quickly developed into a flashover and spread through the building.

Flammable materials such as false ceiling components and stored papers, furniture, and fabrics fueled the fire, causing extensive damage to floors six through nine. The fire affected five ministries housed in the building, with nearly all contents on these floors destroyed.

BUET Investigation

Experts from BUET identified the fire's origin as the sixth-floor lift lobby corridor. The fire’s rapid spread was attributed to the absence of fire detection systems, flammable materials in the ceilings, and a design flaw known as the "chimney effect," which caused the flames to propagate swiftly to upper floors through the lift shafts and stairwells.

The report also highlighted the lack of fire alarm systems, sprinkler mechanisms, and effective firefighting equipment in the building. Fire hoses were either non-functional or lacked nozzles, delaying firefighting efforts.

Army’s Counter-IED Analysis

A specialized team from the Bangladesh Army conducted tests to rule out sabotage or the use of explosives. Samples collected from the site were analyzed using advanced devices, including portable explosive detectors and mass spectrometry equipment. 

No traces of explosives or harmful substances were found in the fire-affected areas.

Additionally, the Army’s Dog Squad was deployed, but no evidence of explosives was detected. The team emphasized that the fire was purely accidental and caused by an electrical fault.

Fire Service Observations

Firefighters faced significant challenges in controlling the fire due to narrow corridors, locked collapsible gates, and an absence of proper firefighting equipment. The high level of heat and dense smoke slowed their progress, and special fire trucks with tall ladders could only be deployed to a limited extent.

The fire service confirmed that the first team began extinguishing flames at 1:52 am, but the fire had already spread extensively by that time. The lack of space around the building further hindered rescue operations and fire suppression.

Impact of the Fire

The fire caused severe damage to floors six to nine, destroying critical documents, furniture, and interior decor. Air conditioning units in specific rooms exacerbated the damage as refrigerants released during the fire contributed to its intensity.

The absence of underground water reserves required firefighters to bring water from distant sources, including the Osmani Memorial Auditorium and WASA facilities, through long hose layouts. This delayed the firefighting process further.

Future Investigations and Recommendations

The investigation committee plans to conduct further tests on the burned electrical cables, joints, and breakers using advanced methods, such as X-ray radiography and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), to confirm the cause of the electrical spark.

The police are reviewing 24-hour CCTV footage from Building 7 and its surroundings to uncover any additional details. The committee also intends to investigate whether any individuals were involved in negligence that contributed to the fire.

The report concluded with saying that the devastating fire at the Secretariat exposed critical lapses in fire safety measures and structural design. Authorities have stressed the urgent need to improve fire safety protocols, install modern detection systems, and review building designs to prevent future incidents of this magnitude.

The fire, which began around 1:30 am, was fully brought under control by 8:05 am and extinguished by 11:45 am on December 26. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities committed to ensuring accountability and enhancing safety standards.

BDST: 1405 HRS, JAN 1, 2025
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