Galachipa, Apr 12 (V7N)- A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday, gutting ten shops in the College Para area of Ward No. 9 in Galachipa Municipality, Patuakhali. The fire erupted around 4:00 AM and was later brought under control with the collective efforts of locals, the army, police, and fire service personnel.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported. However, substantial losses were incurred by the affected shop owners.

The shops destroyed in the blaze include:

  • Asim Mia's Fruit Shop

  • Miraj's Grocery

  • Gopal's Salon

  • Abul Kalam Akon’s Dolphin Counter

  • Ilyas Hossain’s Stationery

  • Nasir Uddin’s Food Hotel

  • Mujibur Rahman’s Stationery

  • Monir Hossain’s Stationery

  • Khalil Mia’s Tea Shop

Locals allege that the response from the fire service was delayed due to a lack of awareness about the updated emergency contact number. One shop owner, Masudur Rahman, expressed frustration, stating, “We tried calling the old number hundreds of times. If the new fire service number had been properly circulated, we could have reduced the damage.”

Speaking to the media, Md. Kamal Hossain, Sub-Station Officer of Galachipa Fire Service, said, “After receiving the news, we acted promptly. However, by the time the fire was brought under control, nine shops had already been engulfed. Initial investigations suggest an electrical short circuit as the cause.” He added that although traders estimated losses in crores of taka, approximately Tk 20 lakh worth of goods were salvaged.

Galachipa Upazila Nirbahi Officer (Acting) Md. Nasim Reza visited the site shortly after the incident and assured affected traders of government assistance and rehabilitation support.

Additionally, BNP Executive Committee Member Hasan Mamun also visited the area with party leaders and activists. He pledged party-level cooperation alongside government efforts to help the affected shopkeepers recover from their losses.

The incident has raised urgent concerns about emergency communication protocols and the distribution of updated contact information for first responders in rural and semi-urban areas.

END/MSS/AJ