Fire-damaged Secretariat offices to be relocated to subordinate agencies

Following the devastating fire at Building 7 of the Secretariat, several ministries and divisions will temporarily relocate their operations to the premises of subordinate agencies. 

Officials of respective offices said efforts are underway to resume operations swiftly while minimising disruptions to public services, with temporary office relocations already in place.

The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Thursday, severely damaged floors six, seven, eight, and nine of the Secretariat's building. Firefighters spent 10 hours bringing the fire under control.

Amid widespread speculation about the fire's origin, Fire Service and Civil Defence chief Muhammad Jahed Kamal today (27 December) said the cause of the fire still remains unknown. 

"We are not in a position to comment on whether the fire was an act of sabotage or an accident," Kamal told the media after visiting the site this afternoon.

"We are monitoring the situation, and further details will be provided once the investigation is completed," he added. 

Kamal is also a member of the committee formed to probe the incident under the leadership of the senior secretary of the home ministry. The eight-member committee visited the location today and officially started its investigation.

Office relocations

The Local Government Division and Rural Development and Co-operatives Division will operate from Nagar Bhaban, the headquarters of Dhaka South City Corporation, in Gulistan.

The Posts and Telecommunications Division will move to the General Post Office (GPO), while the Ministry of Labour will shift to the Shram Bhaban in Kakrail. 

Also, the Road Transport and Highways Division will relocate to Sarak Bhaban in Tejgaon, and the Bridges Division will operate from the Setu Bhaban in Banani. 

The Ministry of Youth and Sports will be hosted at the Krira Parishad in Purana Paltan.

AKM Tariqul Alam, additional secretary of the Local Government Division told The Business Standard that efforts are ongoing to house both divisions together at one location, as per the preference of advisers. 

"Starting next Sunday, essential activities will begin with minimal setup, including a few chairs and tables. We aim to ensure that public services remain uninterrupted during this transition," he added.  

Jana Alam, additional secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division, confirmed that operations will temporarily shift to the Mail Operator and Courier Service Licensing Authority office at the GPO.  

"The division's adviser, Nahid Islam, will temporarily work from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting office at Building 8 in the Secretariat," Alam said.  

An additional secretary from the labour ministry said activities will begin at the conference room of Shram Bhaban at 9am on Sunday.  

"A final decision on the temporary office location will be made then, with the possibility of relocating all ministry offices to Shram Bhaban," he said.  

Golam Md Faruk, additional secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, confirmed that operations will begin at Krira Parishad on Sunday.  

"Existing facilities in the building already house the offices of the ministry's advisers and secretaries, so no additional arrangements are required," he added.  

The final decision regarding the temporary location for the Road Transport and Highways Division is still pending. Additional Secretary Md Asir Uddin Sarder said a decision will be made on Saturday. 

"Potential options include Sarak Bhaban in Tejgaon and Setu Bhaban in Banani," he said.