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At least 16 individuals have died after a massive fire erupted at a clothing factory in Bangladesh, with authorities stating that the number of victims could climb.

16 bodies have been found but were charred unrecognizable, the firefighters said.

Distraught relatives converged outside the four-storey factory in Mirpur, Dhaka on that day in seeking their loved ones still missing.

The fire, which started at the factory around noon, was brought under control after multiple hours. But an nearby chemical warehouse remained ablaze, 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 reported.

Fire service officials have not established which of the two buildings ignited initially.

According to witnesses, the chemical warehouse stored industrial bleaches, plastic and industrial peroxide, all of which can worsen fires. Synthetic materials also produces hazardous smoke when burned.

Law enforcement and armed forces are still searching for the proprietors of the factory and the warehouse, fire department chief the department director told journalists.

An investigation on whether the warehouse was operating legally is also in progress, he added.

Crying family members gathered outside the fire-damaged buildings, many of them clutching photographs of their missing relatives.

Included in the crowd is a man searching desperately for his daughter, Farzana Akhter.

"When I was informed of the fire, I came running. But I still cannot locate her... I just want my loved one back," he told news media.

The tragic incident has once again highlighted the hazardous conditions facing Bangladesh's clothing sector, which engages countless of workers and is a significant contributor to economic income for the country.