The building houses some major eateries, including Kachi Bhai and a clothing store. It is usually crowded in the evening when people visit the restaurant with their loved ones.
According to local people, the fire initially broke out on the ground floor and first floor and later engulfed the upper floors as well. About 13 fire fighting units immediately reached the spot and brought the fire under control after hours of hard work. Later, they rescued dozens of people from the spot with the help of a crane.
Director General of Fire Services and Civil Defense Brigadier General MD Main Uddin told the media at around 1:15 am that the building has restaurants on all floors except a clothing store on the third floor. The fire quickly engulfed the building after several gas cylinders of the restaurant exploded.