Dhaka: Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has announced that a doctor from Singapore is scheduled to arrive tonight to establish the treatment protocol for firemen injured in the recent chemical warehouse explosion in Tongi. The incident, which took place on Monday, resulted in severe burn injuries to four fire service personnel, one of whom has since passed away.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Home Adviser provided this information while speaking to journalists after attending the funeral prayer of firefighter Shamim Ahmed at the Fire Service and Civil Defence Headquarters. The injuries occurred during a fire at a chemical warehouse at Sahara Market in Tongi, Gazipur. Despite the efforts of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (NIPBS), two firemen remain in critical condition.
The Home Adviser emphasized the international standard of care provided by NIPBS and praised the professionalism of the public health service doctors. Expressing his condolences over the death of Shamim Ahmed, he hailed the firefighter as a martyr, emphasizing the inherent risks faced by firefighters and the importance of acknowledging their sacrifices.
The government has pledged financial support to Shamim Ahmed’s family to assist with their livelihood. The fire, which started around 3:29 pm on Monday, was brought under control after two and a half hours of intense firefighting efforts. The explosion that caused the injuries occurred while the firemen were battling the blaze. The incident left firefighter Shamim Ahmed and Nurul Huda with nearly 100 percent burns, Fire Officer Khondoker Jannatul Nayem with 42 percent burns, and firefighter Joy Hasan with five percent burns.
Shamim Ahmed succumbed to his injuries earlier today at NIPBS, while his colleagues continue to receive treatment. The Resident Surgeon of NIPBS confirmed that the condition of Nurul Huda and Nayem remains critical. Home Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury visited the injured firemen earlier today, assuring them of the best possible care.