Around 1,300 students were asleep when the fire broke out at Jamia Ashrafia Madrasa in Narayanganj. Four students are in a critical condition, with one receiving life support.

Dhaka: A fire at a madrasa in Bangladesh has left at least 79 students ill after toxic smoke spread throughout the building while around 1,300 students were asleep in their rooms. Four students are in a critical condition, and one of them is currently on life support.

The incident occurred at Jamia Ashrafia Madrasa in Narayanganj, approximately 16 kilometres from the capital, Dhaka. The fire is believed to have been caused by a short circuit on the second floor of the building.

As the flames spread, thick smoke quickly engulfed the five-storey building, leaving several students struggling to breathe. The incident triggered panic among residents, most of whom were staying in the madrasa’s hostel.

Five fire engines were dispatched to the scene after the authorities received information about the blaze. Firefighters brought the flames under control after around 30 minutes of efforts, although the operation to extinguish the fire completely continued until approximately 3.45 am. Students were evacuated from the building, and those affected by the smoke were rushed to hospital.

According to news portal BDNews.com, the injured students were taken to Dhaka’s National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery for medical treatment.

Dr Sultan Mahmud Sikder, a doctor at the institute, said that 63 students had been admitted to hospital or placed under emergency observation. Another 16 students were discharged after receiving initial treatment.

Four students, aged between 14 and 22, have been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), with one requiring life support.

In a statement released by the hospital, Dr Sikder clarified that none of the students had sustained burn injuries. However, all the affected students experienced respiratory complications after inhaling toxic smoke, which had entered their lungs.

A medical board has been constituted to monitor and assess the condition of the affected students. Doctors have said that at least 72 hours will be required to make a proper assessment of the students who are seriously ill.

Meanwhile, the Dhaka Tribune, quoting fire service duty officer Shahjahan, reported that the fire originated on the second floor of the madrasa’s five-storey building due to a short circuit.

According to the official, smoke spread rapidly across the building, creating panic among the students. Several students experienced breathing difficulties as they attempted to escape from the smoke-filled premises. The fire has since been brought under control.

Students receiving treatment at the hospital also reported that the madrasa’s library, located on the second floor, was completely destroyed in the blaze.