DFID allocates GBP 102,625 for Mirpur fire victims

The UK Department for International Development (DFID) has allocated GBP 102,625 to support those affected by a massive fire at Jheelpar Chalantika slum in the capital’s Mirpur area.

This new allocation aims to provide non-food items, mosquito nets, hygiene items, financial support, education, and psycho-social support over a period of 45 days, said the British High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Thousands of shanties of the slum -- set up on around 25 to 30 bighas of government wetland -- were gutted by the fire on the night of August 16.

Some 24 firefighting units brought the fire under control after frantic efforts, which had spread to several nearby buildings in Mirpur-7.