Khagrachari, Mar 26 (V7N) – A devastating fire has once again struck the Boalkhali market in Dighinala, Khagrachari, destroying 20 businesses in the early hours of March 26. This incident marks the second major fire in the area within 18 days.

"In Dighinala, Khagrachari, 20 businesses have been burnt to ashes again in a span of 18 days," a local fire service official confirmed.

The fire originated at approximately 1:30 AM in a food restaurant located in the Boalkhali Nichkhari Bazar and quickly spread to adjacent shops.

"On March 26, at around 1:30 am, a fire broke out in a food restaurant in Boalkhali Nichkhari Bazar in Dighinala. It spread to nearby shops in no time," a market witness reported.

Firefighters from four units of the Khagrachari Fire Service battled the blaze for three hours, finally bringing it under control at around 4:30 AM. Local residents, along with army and police personnel, assisted in the firefighting efforts.

"After receiving the information, 4 units of the fire service tried for 3 hours and brought the fire under control at around 4:30 am. Along with locals, army and police members participated in controlling the fire," a fire service spokesperson stated.

Fire Service Khagrachari Station Deputy Assistant Director Md. Zakir Hossain confirmed the extent of the damage.

"Fire Service Khagrachari Station Deputy Assistant Director Md. Zakir Hossain said that it is estimated that around 18-20 business establishments were damaged in the fire," Hossain reported.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and authorities are assessing the total damage.

"Initially, the cause of the fire was not known. Work is underway to assess the damage," Hossain added.

This incident follows a previous fire on March 8, which destroyed 12 shops at the Larma Square Bazaar in Boalkhali, Dighinala.

"On the night of March 8, 12 shops were gutted in a fire at Larma Square Bazaar in Boalkhali, Dighinala," a previous fire report confirmed.

The recurrence of such destructive fires in the same area within a short period has raised serious concerns among local residents and business owners.

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