170 shops gutted fire cloth market in Barguna

Barguna Correspondent: Dhaka, May-18,

A total of 170 shops were gutted in a fire at a cloth market in the Municipal area here last night in Barguna.
The flames broke out at a clothing shop at 11: 30 pm on Monday and spread to the rest of the market. 8 units of the local fire service worked for 3 hours to douse it, according to Md Zakir Hossain, deputy assistant director of the Fire Service and Civil Defence for the Barguna and Patuakhali zone.
“The fire was out of control before we realized anything had happened. My electronics store burnt down to ashes,” said Abdul Manna, a local businessman.
He said the market housed shops for mobile phones, electronic devices, fishing nets, clothes, and cosmetics and had barbershops, tea stalls, and smithies. He said that at least 170 shops have been gutted in the fire.
Naim, a seller at a garment shop, said he had garments worth Tk 1 million in his shop and lost all of them in the flames.
Barguna Municipal Mayor Advocate Kamrul Ahsan Maharaj said he believes the total loss sustained in the fire will surpass Tk 600 million.
Fire service officer Zakir said their team is probing to determine the total financial loss.
Ali Ahmed, chief of Barguna Sadar Police Station, said locals and volunteers came forward first to bring the flame under control.
“At least 15 people were injured in the efforts and were given first aid afterward”, he added.
On information, eight units of the Fire Service, Red Crescent Society, Barguna Sadar Police, District Detective Police (DB), municipal officials and employees, members of the Municipal Owners’ Association, and members of the Ambulance Association doused the fire with the help of locals and affected businessmen after three-hour effort, he added.
An investigation committee was formed today in this connection, he added.
At least five people were injured in the fire and they are undergoing treatment at Barguna Sadar Hospital.
The affected businessman Abdul Salam said 170 shops were gutted in the blaze. Each of the stores had goods worth Taka crores.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Habibur Rahman, District Council Administrator, and former MP Delwar Hossain visited the spot.
Local Parlament member (MP) Dhirendra Debnath Shambhu has promised all possible help to the affected traders.

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