The aftermath of a devastating fire at S Alam Refined Sugar Mill’s warehouse has left the factory in a state of suspension, with production yet to resume. The relentless 67-hour blaze inflicted significant damage, causing a halt in the supply of S Alam sugar to the market and a subsequent increase in sugar prices.
S Alam Group’s Human Resource Officer, Md Hossain, expressed efforts to resume production, stating, “Despite challenges in restarting the factory post-Saturday, ongoing efforts are being made to address the issues hindering the production process. Once rectified, we will resume sugar production.”
Fire Service and Civil Defense Director-General, Brigadier General Md Main Uddin, disclosed that 80% of the 116,000 tons of unrefined sugar in the burnt warehouse had been salvaged. A dedicated five-member committee has been formed to investigate this unprecedented sugar-related fire incident in Bangladesh.
General Manager (Admin) Akther Hasan affirmed, “The salvaged unrefined sugars will undergo testing at labs and BSTI to determine their suitability for consumption after purification. If approved, they will be released to the market; otherwise, disposal will be necessary.”
Chittagong Deputy Commissioner Abul Bashar Mohammed Fakhruzzaman provided insight into the damage assessment, stating, “While 10-20% of sugar on the upper layer may be affected, the underlying sugar remains unaffected. Clearances from BSTI, Fire Service, and other relevant departments are crucial for recovery efforts.”
Fakhruzzaman emphasized the swift formation of investigation committees by each department involved, with an expectation for completion within the next two to three days. Clearance from BSTI or the science lab will determine the viability of sugar recovery, with the technical committee providing guidance.
The Monday afternoon fire at S Alam Refined Sugar Mill in Chittagong’s Karnaphuli police station area has led to a collaborative effort by authorities, including the CMP commissioner, DG of Fire Service, and Additional district magistrate, to investigate the incident. The report is anticipated within days to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
