Bangladesh: 43 killed and dozens injured in Dhaka building fire

According to local media, the fire started in a restaurant in the capital, Dhaka, around 22:00 local time on Thursday.

A fire broke out at a multi-story building in Bangladesh, killing at least 43 people, reported the country's health minister.

According to local media, the fire started in a restaurant in the capital, Dhaka, around 22:00 local time on Thursday. Seventy-five individuals were rescued and were transported to the hospital.

After two hours the blaze was put out. However, officials said the cause of the fire is being investigated.

Samanta Lal Sen, Bangladesh's Health Minister, said that at least 33 persons, including women and children, had died at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Samanta Lal Sen reported at least 10 people dead at the city's main burns hospital and 22 people in critical condition.

The emergency services were dispatched to the Kacchi Bhai restaurant, which is housed in a seven-story building, according to the Daily Bangladesh newspaper.

The structure is part of a larger complex that includes other eateries as well as clothes and mobile-phone stores.

Fires in commercial and residential buildings are prevalent in Bangladesh. They are frequently blamed on a lack of safety knowledge and ineffective regulatory enforcement.