A fire erupted on the morning of October 15 at Drug International’s Unit-2 pharmaceutical factory in the Tongi BSCIC industrial area of Gazipur, severely damaging two buildings before being brought under control after more than three hours. The blaze, which began around 10:15 a.m. on the fourth floor of a four-story building, spread to an adjacent structure via a connecting staircase.

According to Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General Brigadier General Sultanul Afrain Zunaid, highly flammable rubber used beneath aluminum sheets and various chemicals stored inside the factory intensified the fire. The facility manufactures powdered and injectable medicines, and the chemicals involved triggered small explosions and intermittent flare-ups, complicating firefighting efforts.

The fire was mostly contained by approximately 1:35 p.m., although crews continued to tackle remaining hot spots and smoldering materials. The rescue operation involved 21 firefighting units, alongside support from army personnel, the army’s Chemical Danger Unit, medical teams, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) robots, factory workers, and local volunteers. The prime minister’s directive to prevent the flames from spreading was a key focus throughout the response.

The initial fire caused severe damage to the fourth and second floors of the originating building, with other floors also significantly affected. The adjacent building sustained damage as well. Thick smoke and a chlorine-like odor hindered firefighting activities, and some firefighters experienced breathing difficulties. One fire service member required medical treatment, but no other casualties were reported.

Authorities faced early challenges with water supply but were aided by a large water reservoir on-site, which helped sustain firefighting efforts. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation has been launched to determine its origin. Shafiqul Islam Badal, manager at Drug International, noted that the factory initially attempted to control the fire using its own firefighting equipment before external responders arrived.