A loose electrical connection caused the devastating fire at the Secretariat that engulfed four floors of Building No. 7 on 26 December, a preliminary investigation has found. The probe committee, led by Senior Home Affairs Secretary Nasimul Gani, has ruled out any indication of sabotage, as stated during a press briefing at the chief adviser’s residence.
The committee, tasked with probing the incident, is set to submit a comprehensive report within the next 10 working days.
Professor Dr. Maksud Helali from BUET, a member of the probe committee, revealed that the preliminary investigation findings were presented to the chief adviser. They engaged in a detailed discussion for nearly an hour, during which the chief adviser sought insights on preventive measures and issued directives for future safeguards.
The Bangladesh Army's explosive expert also confirmed that no explosives were used in the incident. Fire Service and Civil Defence samples showed no traces of explosives, and a search by the dog squad also yielded no evidence of such materials.
The fire, which raged for nearly 10 hours on 26 December destroyed critical documents from five ministries and divisions in Building No. 7 of the Secretariat, the core of Bangladesh's bureaucracy.
The fire ignited in the early hours and caused significant damage before being brought under control by 19 units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, assisted by a Navy team.
Vital records from the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Finance Ministry, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Local Government Division, and the Posts and Telecommunications Division were among the losses.
