Dhaka, March 7 -- The devastating Chawkbazar fire that claimed the lives of at least 71 people on February 20 originated from the first floor of Wahed Mansion, says the probe panel formed by the Home Ministry.

The five-member investigation committee submitted its report to Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Thursday.

Wishing anonymity, a Home Ministry official said the probe body mentioned in its report that the fire ensued from the first floor of the building.

He, however, declined to elaborate further.

At least 71 people were killed and many others injured in the devastating fire that broke out at a chemical warehouse and raged through four other adjacent buildings in the city's Chawkbazar area on January 20 night.

Of them, 67 died ...