An expert team of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police has started collecting DNA samples to identify those killed in the deadly fire at BM Container Depot at Sitakunda in Chattogram, said police on Monday.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Chattogram Range Anwar Hossain said the family members of the deceased are providing samples for DNA test with the help of police.

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He said a total of 41 bodies were brought to Chattogram Medical College and Hospital (CMCH). Among those, 22 were identified and handed over to their respective families till this morning.

DNA samples are being collected to identity of the remaining 18 bodies. The bodies will be handed over to families after identifying those based on the DNA test report, said the official.

A booth has been set up for DNA samples collection by Chattogram district police in front of the emergency unit of CMCH next to the ‘help cell’ of the district administration.  

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Meanwhile, fire fighters continued their operation on Monday to douse the deadly blaze at BM Container Depot at Sitakunda in Chattogram even after 38 hours of the incident that so far claimed 50 lives and left several hundred wounded.