Fire in Bangladesh's capital claims 44 lives, dozens rescued

By Faruk Zorlu

A devastating fire at a six-story shopping mall in Bangladesh's capital late Thursday has killed at least 44 people, according to officials.

Speaking to reporters, Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen confirmed the fatalities, saying 33 people succumbed to their injuries at Dhaka Medical College Hospital while 10 others passed away at the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, local newspaper the Daily Star reported.

Bangladesh Police Inspector General Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun reported an additional fatality at Central Police Hospital in Rajarbagh.

Around 75 people were rescued from Green Cozy Cottage Shopping Mall on Bailey Road, 42 of whom were found unconscious.

The fire, which broke out around 9.50 p.m. local time, was successfully brought under control by firefighters after a two-hour battle.