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At least 16 individuals have lost their lives after a massive fire erupted at a garment factory in Bangladesh, with officials cautioning that the death toll could climb.

16 bodies have been found but were burned unrecognizable, the firefighters reported.

Heartbroken relatives gathered outside the four-level factory in Dhaka's Mirpur area on that day in looking for their dear ones still unaccounted for.

The inferno, which erupted at the factory around noon, was brought under control after multiple hours. But an nearby chemical warehouse remained ablaze, emergency services said.

Up until 21:00 local time (15:00 GMT) that day, the fire at the chemical warehouse had not been entirely put out, media reports indicated.

Fire department authorities have not determined which of the two buildings ignited initially.

Based on eyewitnesses, the chemical warehouse housed industrial bleaches, synthetic polymers and chemical peroxide, all of which can worsen fires. Synthetic materials also releases hazardous smoke when ignited.

Police and military officers are still attempting to find the proprietors of the factory and the warehouse, fire department chief the fire service official told journalists.

An investigation on whether the warehouse was functioning with proper authorization is also in progress, he added.

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

Present at the scene is a man seeking urgently for his daughter, Farzana Akhter.

"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 told reporters.

The devastating event has yet again emphasized the security issues plaguing Bangladesh's apparel manufacturing, which provides jobs for millions of workers and is a significant contributor to foreign revenue for the nation.