Fire at Pakistan envoy's residence in Dhaka; no casualties
The envoy and his wife hospitalised after inhaling smoke; condition stable
A fire broke out at the official residence of Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider on UN Road in Dhaka's Baridhara diplomatic enclave early today (6 August), leaving the envoy and his wife hospitalised after they inhaled smoke.
According to a police incident report, the fire is believed to have originated from an electrical short circuit.
The Baridhara Fire Service responded after receiving the emergency call and brought the blaze under control before it could spread.
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The envoy and his wife, Naima Imran, were taken to the ICU of Continental Hospital PLC in Gulshan for treatment.
The couple are undergoing treatment under the close supervision of Dr Amina Sultana of the hospital and are in stable condition, according to the police report.
The fire damaged two air conditioners and one stand fan, the report said.
Confirming the incident to The Business Standard, Deputy Commissioner of the Diplomatic Security Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Syed Mohammad Farhad said the fire was initially believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit.
"As far as we have learned, the fire originated from an electrical short circuit. Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider and his wife, Naima Imran, fell ill after inhaling smoke and were admitted to hospital," he said.
"The incident is being investigated," he added.
Fire Service Warehouse Inspector Anwarul Islam said the Fire Service received the emergency call at 4:56am and dispatched two units from the Baridhara Fire Station.
Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control before it could spread further.
