A fire broke out at a hotel in Charbhairabi Bazar of Haimchar Upazila of Chandpur and burnt down about 50 shops in the market.
The incident took place around 5:30 am on Thursday.
The fire was brought under control around 8 am with the help of local people and two teams of fire service.
Eyewitness and Charbhairabi resident Shimul Chokder said, “The fire started from the kitchen of Islamia Hotel in Bazar. The fire broke out at a nearby gas cylinder, petrol, diesel, and yarn shop. As a result, at least 50 other small and large shops in the area were set on fire.
He added, ‘Most of the shops were closed at that time.
Anwar Sardar, a businessman affected by the fire, said, “I had goods worth around Tk 2 crore in my business establishment next to the hotel where the fire started. Among them were various types of yarn nets including petrol, diesel, and gas cylinders for fishermen. Everything has been burnt to ashes in an instant.”
Charbhairabi UP member Almas Bakaul said, “This market depends on the local people who are involved in fishing. Apart from the essentials of fishermen, other daily necessities are also available here. That is why there are shops selling petrol, diesel, and gas cylinders in the open market.”
Chandpur Fire Service Deputy Director Sahidul Islam said, “After receiving the news, our two units came there as soon as possible and controlled the fire. But as there were illegal shops of cylinder gas, petrol, and diesel, about 50 shops were burnt down at that moment.”
He added, “Most of the shops could not be protected as they were made of wood and tin. The fire spread rapidly in the strong winds as the shops were on the banks of the river. However, the amount of damage has not been confirmed yet.
Confirming the start of the fire from the hotel, he said the local administration had compiled a list of victims at the scene.