Dhaka: The formal trial in a case filed against Tuba Group Managing Director Delwar Hossain and 12 others over the devastating fire at Tazreen Fashions in Ashulia in 2012 that claimed over 100 lives began on Sunday with the deposition of two witnesses.

Judge of Dhaka’s Additional District and Session’s Judge Court SM Saiful Islam recorded the statements of Khairul Islam, assistant sub-inspector of Ashulia Police Station and the plaintiff of the case, and ASI M Shahjahan who recorded the case.

Later, defence counsels Advocate TM Akbar and Advocate Faruk Ahmed cross-examined the witnesses.

After the day’s proceedings, the court fixed February 7 for recording the testimony of other witnesses.

Delwar, his wife and Tazreen Chairman Mahmuda Akhter were present at the court on Sunday. Five accused in the case are on the run.

On September 3 last year, a Dhaka court indicted 13 people, including Tazreen Fashions MD Delwar Hossain, in the case.

At least 112 people were killed and over 200 others suffered injuries in the devastating fire that raged through the Tazreen Fashions at Nischintapur in Ashulia on the outskirts of capital Dhaka on November 24, 2012.

On November 25, a case was filed with Ashulia Police Station in connection with the fire. Later, the case was transferred to Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

On December 22 last year, police submitted a charge sheet against 13 people, including the chairman and the managing director of the garment factory.