We save lives but we are attacked: fire service DG

Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General Brig Gen Md Main Uddin said it was sad that people attacked the fire service headquarters and injured four firefighters even as they were trying to save lives and properties in the Bangabazar fire.

"I am very disappointed. We work for the people. We sacrifice our lives for the people… but they attacked us," he said while talking to reporters on the spot.

An unruly mob vandalised fire service vehicles, vandalised the building and injured four firefighters as a fire raged at the nearby Bangabazar Shopping Complex, he said.

Two of the four firefighters -- Rabiul Islam and Atikur Rahman -- were rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, said Rashed-Bin-Khaled, duty officer of the fire service.

"Fire service officials sacrificed their lives for the people of the country. In the last one year, 13 officials sacrificed their lives," said Main Uddin. "I don't understand why they attacked fire service officials."

In the last one year, a total of 29 fire service officials were also injured in the line of duty.  

The fire service DG also said they will form a five-member committee to investigate the fire incident, and that the cause of the fire and extent of the damage could be known after investigation.

Witnesses said a group of people including some shopkeepers, being frustrated that the fire was not put out, attacked the fire service headquarters around 9:30am.