Dhaka, Oct. 19 -- Following several major fires recently, the interim government has formed a seven-strong "core committee" to investigate their causes, helmed by the home secretary.

Disaster Management Advisor Faruk E Azam confirmed the development on Sunday, adding that the committee may expand in the future and is expected to submit its report by Nov 5.

Within five days, three significant fires occurred in Dhaka and Chittagong.

The first, on Tuesday in Mirpur's Rupnagar area, destroyed a garment factory and a chemical warehouse, claiming at least 16 lives. The blaze was brought under control nearly 28 hours later.

On Thursday, a fire erupted at a factory in Chittagong Export Processing Zone (CEPZ). Though no casualties were reporte...