A high-level investigation committee, formed to probe the devastating fire at the Secretariat, is set to submit its preliminary report to the Chief Advisor on Monday. The committee may send certain evidence abroad for further examination if deemed necessary.

During a press briefing in front of the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Mazumdar, shared these updates. Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and other officials from the press wing were also present.

Azad stated that the committee chair informed them about the progress and confirmed the submission of the preliminary report on Monday. While the investigation is ongoing, necessary evidence has been collected, some of which has already been analyzed locally. However, the committee has indicated that sending some evidence abroad for testing remains an option.

The fire occurred late Wednesday night during the Christmas holiday in Building No. 7 of the Secretariat. It severely damaged the offices of several ministries, including the Road Transport and Highways Division, Local Government and Cooperatives Ministry, Post and Telecommunications Division, Youth and Sports Ministry, and Labor and Employment Ministry. Critical documents, computers, and furniture were destroyed, with extensive damage to walls and floors, rendering the affected floors unusable. The ministries have temporarily relocated to alternative offices.

In response to the incident, an emergency meeting was held on Thursday, chaired by interim government Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus. A high-level committee, led by the Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry and including the Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate’s chief as secretary, was tasked with conducting the investigation. The committee was directed to provide a preliminary report within three days.

When asked if the findings of the preliminary report would be shared with the media, Deputy Press Secretary Azad stated that the report would be submitted to the Chief Advisor, who would decide on the next steps.