Rangamati, May 21 (V7N) — A massive fire broke out in the Muslim Block market area of Baghaichhari Municipality in Rangamati district shortly after midnight, reducing at least 30 shops to ashes.

Video: Devastating Fire Destroys 30 Shops in Baghaichhari at Midnight

According to initial reports, the blaze originated around 1:00 AM on Wednesday from a clothing store owned by a local trader named Alomgir. While many locals suspect an electrical short circuit as the source of the fire, some have described the incident as mysterious and potentially suspicious.

The absence of a fire station in the upazila significantly hampered immediate firefighting efforts. Local residents, along with members of the police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), battled the flames and managed to bring the fire under control after about one and a half hours of relentless effort.

More than 30 shops—including grocery stores, clothing outlets, pharmacies, and tea stalls—were completely destroyed in the blaze. Preliminary estimates suggest the financial losses amount to approximately BDT 15 million (1.5 crore taka), according to local authorities.

Upon receiving news of the incident, the Officer-in-Charge of Baghaichhari Police Station and senior BGB officials visited the scene to assess the situation.

Frustration among locals and affected business owners is mounting, as the fire highlights a long-standing demand for a fire station in the area. Despite land acquisition for a fire station being completed in 2018 in response to public demand, construction has not yet commenced, even after seven years.

Local business owners have expressed deep anger and disappointment, urging the government to expedite the establishment of the much-needed fire station to prevent future disasters of this magnitude.

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