Published: 12:09 AM, 20 August 2026
Nine killed in Kolkata hotel fire, including five Bangladeshis
View of the building in Kolkata where a fire broke out on August 19, 2026, killing nine people including a child. -Collected
At least nine people, including five Bangladeshi nationals, were killed in a devastating fire that broke out at a hotel in central Kolkata early Wednesday. Six other Bangladeshi nationals were injured and later received medical treatment.
The fire broke out at around 1:45 a.m. at a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street, near Kolkata's busy New Market area. Thick smoke quickly spread through the building, trapping several guests inside. Firefighters rushed to the scene with several fire engines, while police and disaster-management personnel joined the rescue operation.
Firefighters used ladders and entered the building through windows to rescue people trapped on the upper floors. Many guests were unable to find their way out because of the heavy smoke. Several victims were reportedly found inside bathrooms, where they had apparently sought refuge from the flames and smoke.
Five of the nine people killed were Bangladeshi nationals. Four of them belonged to the same family. They were identified as journalist Debashish Dutta, his wife Afsana Shimmin, their young son Swarnashish Dutta, and Afsana's father Akram Ali. The fifth Bangladeshi victim was identified as Ahmed Babu. The family had travelled to Kolkata for medical treatment.
Dutta, a journalist from Kushtia, had gone to the Indian city with his wife and son. Their visit, however, ended in tragedy when the fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday.
The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata has been assisting the victims and their families. Officials have been maintaining contact with local authorities and hospitals to gather information about the Bangladeshi nationals affected by the incident.
The remaining four victims were yet to be identified by authorities. Rescue workers continued searching the building after bringing the fire under control and ensuring that no one remained trapped inside.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been established. Initial reports indicated that an electrical fault or a malfunctioning air-conditioning unit might have caused the blaze, but officials said a detailed investigation would be necessary before confirming the cause.
The incident has once again raised questions about fire-safety measures in hotels and other crowded buildings in Kolkata. Authorities are expected to examine whether the hotel had adequate emergency exits, firefighting equipment and other safety arrangements.
The tragic incident has caused widespread shock in both India and Bangladesh, particularly among the families and relatives of the victims. Officials from both countries are working to complete the necessary procedures and provide assistance to those affected by the disaster.
