A massive fire that ripped through a seven-storey shopping mall in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka that also housed several illegal eateries killed at least 46 people and injured 22 others, the government said on Friday, in one of the worst infernos to hit the country in recent years

The fire broke out around 9:50 pm on Thursday at a popular restaurant named "Kacchi Bhai" on the first floor of the building, Green Cozy Cottage, and quickly spread to the upper floors that had more restaurants and a garment shop, according to fire service officials

Health Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen said around 2 am that 33 bodies were brought to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and 10 others to the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Another victim died at the Police Hospital

The condition of those injured is "critical", he told reporters at a briefing. "One more person died during treatment in the intensive care unit of Dhaka Medical ICU this morning. A total of 46 people have died so far," Sen said on Friday

Currently, 10 people are undergoing treatment at the Sheikh Hasina burn unit and two at DMCH, he said. Till now, the bodies of 39 people have been identified. Of them, at least 31 bodies of the victims have been handed over to families without an autopsy. Till now, the identities of six bodies remain unknown. The authorities will hand them over after conducting a DNA test

The commercial building that was gutted did not have permission for restaurants, The Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported. The building had permission for office use, not restaurants and eateries, according to Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk). But the building housed eight restaurants, a juice bar and a tea and coffee shop, the report said

Ashraful Islam, Town Planner and Director of the Detailed Area Planning (DAP) project of Rajuk, said commercial approval had been taken for the building from one to seven floors. But it was only for office use. There was no approval for restaurants, showrooms or anything else

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is closely monitoring the fire incident at the commercial building, the Health Minister said. She noted that the multi-storied building had no fire exit. She urged all to follow the rules and regulations while constructing any building

Hasina said that 46 people died in the Bailey Road fire incident. "What could be more painful than this," she said. Fire officials said 75 people, including 42 in unconscious state, were taken out of the seven-storey building. Thirteen fire service units were mobilised, the officials said

The minister, a burn wound specialist, said 22 people are being treated at both health facilities and their condition is "critical". "The respiratory system of those who have survived so far has been seriously damaged," Sen told reporters at the DMCH. Doctors said some of the bodies were burned beyond recognition and feared that the death toll could rise