The interim government is "satisfied" with the preliminary investigation report on the secretariat fire incident, said the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan.
Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Wednesday (1 January), Rizwana Hasan addressed queries about the incident and the government’s response to the report submitted by the high-level investigation committee.
She stated, “The government is satisfied with the preliminary investigation report. However, to be absolutely certain that this was indeed an accident, some samples are being sent abroad for analysis.”
The adviser emphasised that the fire was a deeply alarming and concerning event.
“The incident was terrifying and a significant cause for worry. This is where we work, so any mishap directly affects us first. For those who work in that building, it has been a profoundly traumatising experience,” she remarked.
When asked why samples were being sent abroad if the incident was deemed accidental, Rizwana Hasan explained, “To eliminate any lingering doubts, samples are being sent overseas. After any incident, we tend to form perspectives and conclusions. When presented with alternative explanations, we often find them difficult to accept.”
The adviser further noted that experts had demonstrated, with detailed analysis, how the fire began and spread between sections of the Secretariat due to the building’s construction design.
She also mentioned the presence of a dog previously seen on the affected floor, which had comfortably slept on a cushioned chair, indicating a lack of immediate danger before the fire.
Rizwana Hasan elaborated, “The samples are being sent to ensure we remain above any suspicion. If it were sabotage, experts have shown how the incident might have unfolded. They have pinpointed the origin of the fire and illustrated it in slow motion for clarity. I believe these findings are accessible to all of you.”
Earlier, the high-level investigation committee, led by the senior secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, submitted its report to the chief adviser on Tuesday.
The report identified an electrical loose connection as the probable cause of the fire in building no 7 of the secretariat.
