Dhaka, Oct. 14 -- The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has said the factory in Mirpur's Rupnagar, where a deadly fire broke out, is not a member of the organisation.

According to a statement from the trade body on Tuesday, the facility in Shiallbari is a washing plant, not a registered garment manufacturing unit under the association.

Around 11:45am, flames swept through Shah Ali Washing Limited and a nearby chemical warehouse.

Firefighters were deployed to the scene shortly after. By the evening, 16 burnt bodies had been recovered from the site.

The BGMEA said it deeply regrets the loss of life in the fire and offered prayers for the victims, also wishing a quick recovery for those injured.

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