Chandpur market fire destroys six shops, owners claim Tk 5mn loss

Firefighters have controlled the blaze within 90 minutes, saving the rest of the market

Six business establishments have been destroyed in a fire at a market in Chandpur's Hajiganj Bazar, with traders claiming losses of nearly Tk 5 million.

The blaze erupted around 10pm on Friday at the market on Station Road, Hajiganj Fire Service officer Shahidul Islam said, adding that two units rushed to the scene after being alerted and brought the flames under control.

Witness and former teacher Md Alamgir Kabir Patwary said locals immediately informed the rural electricity authority and the Fire Service after spotting the flames.

Power supply was disconnected promptly, which, along with the swift response from firefighters, prevented a major disaster, he added.

Nurunnabi, owner of the affected Ali Ashraf Market, said six out of 12 shops in the market were damaged.

The affected outlets included furniture, tiles sanitary, hardware, and pipe shops.

Goods worth nearly Tk 5 million were reduced to ashes, he claimed.

Shahidul said two units, along with local residents, worked for about one and a half an hours to tame the fire.

Quick containment helped save the entire market complex. Three shops suffered extensive damage, while the others were partially affected.

He added that the cause of the fire was under investigation.