A fire broke out at Khoddor Bazar Shopping Complex at Zero Point in Gulistan, Dhaka, covering the area in thick black smoke on Friday.
Nine firefighting units are working to bring the blaze under control.
The Fire Service received news of the fire at 5:28pm.
Shahjahan Sikdar, in-charge (media) of the Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate, said the fire started in a warehouse on the roof of the eight-storey commercial building. The cause of the fire was yet to be determined.
As the warehouse is located on the upper floor, there are concerns that the fire could spread rapidly. Thick black smoke had engulfed Zero Point and the surrounding Gulistan area. Panic spread among shopkeepers and customers on the lower floors, forcing them to evacuate the building immediately.
The Fire Service control room said that initial firefighting efforts were hampered due to the crowded area and limited access to water sources, but personnel are making every effort to control the blaze. So far, no casualties have been reported, and the exact cause and extent of the damage remain unknown.
According to the latest reports, the fire had not been fully controlled as of 6:45pm. Authorities are evacuating people from nearby buildings to ensure their safety.
