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A minimum of 16 individuals have lost their lives after a huge fire broke out at a apparel factory in Bangladesh, with authorities stating that the fatality count could increase.

A total of sixteen bodies have been found but were burned unrecognizable, the firefighters stated.

Heartbroken relatives converged outside the multi-story factory in the Mirpur district of Dhaka on that day in seeking their dear ones still unaccounted for.

The inferno, which started at the factory around noon, was put out after three hours. But an neighboring chemical warehouse kept burning, emergency services reported.

Until 21:00 local time (15:00 GMT) yesterday, the fire at the chemical warehouse had not been entirely put out, news sources indicated.

Emergency responders have not determined which of the two buildings ignited initially.

According to witnesses, the chemical warehouse contained bleaching powder, plastic materials and hydrogen peroxide, all of which can worsen fires. Polymer products also produces poisonous gases when combusted.

Police and military officers are still searching for the proprietors of the factory and the warehouse, fire department chief Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury informed journalists.

An inquiry on whether the warehouse was functioning with proper authorization is also currently underway, he added.

Weeping family members gathered outside the burned buildings, many of them grasping photographs of their missing relatives.

Present at the scene is a man searching desperately for his daughter, his family member.

"When I was informed of the fire, I came running. But I still have been unable to find her... I just want my loved one back," he stated to news media.

The catastrophic occurrence has once again emphasized the safety concerns plaguing Bangladesh's clothing sector, which engages countless of workers and is a major provider of export earnings for the nation.