Cox’s Bazar, Aug 30 (V7N) - A devastating fire at Nonachhari Market in Kalarmarchhara, Maheshkhali has resulted in the complete destruction of 12 shops. Two individuals were injured and have been transported to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for medical attention.
 
The blaze erupted suddenly in the early hours of Friday, August 30, as reported by local sources. Local residents, alerted by an announcement over the mosque’s loudspeaker, rushed to combat the flames. Despite their efforts, the fire’s intensity led to the complete incineration of the 12 adjacent shops.
 
Mojammel, who owned a grocery store’s warehouse, expressed his distress, saying, “This store was my only remaining asset, built with all my life’s savings. Goods worth approximately Tk 60 lakh have been destroyed. I am now left with nothing.”
 
Abul Hossain, another shop owner, remarked, “Everything we had is gone. Although we contacted the Fire Service, they arrived nearly an hour later, by which time everything was lost.” He reported that his shop contained goods valued at around one crore Taka.
 
The shop owners estimate the total damage to be in the several crores of Taka. The Fire Service has yet to provide an official assessment of the losses.
 
According to local reports, the fire is believed to have started from the office of Awami League leader Selim Chowdhury. It is suspected that the fire, which originated in his office, spread to the adjacent shops.
 
Maheshkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Miki Marma stated, “We have been informed about a fire at a market in Kalarmarchhara that has destroyed several shops. We will inspect the site and provide detailed information after our assessment.”
 
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