Chandpur, Feb 21 (V7N) – A devastating fire broke out at Munshirhat Bazar in Matlab South Upazila early Friday morning, destroying at least 12 shops. The fire, which reportedly started from a tea shop, spread quickly before being brought under control by the fire service after a two-hour effort.

According to witnesses, the fire began at around 4:00 AM at Abdul Baten's tea shop. As flames spread, locals were alerted through the mosque’s loudspeaker, prompting a swift response from the fire service. Two units of the Matlab South Fire Service worked for two hours to douse the fire.

While locals suspect the fire originated from the tea shop, Matlab South Fire Service Station Officer Mohammad Ali stated that the initial assumption is that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit.

Among the affected businesses are:

  • Abdul Baten’s tea shop
  • Nuru Bakaul’s rice hotel
  • Anach’s sweet shop
  • Ali Ahmed’s fruit shop
  • Helal’s grocery shop
  • Hashim Store (Cosmetics)
  • Nayan’s sweet shop
  • Sharif’s mobile shop
  • Sajur’s paan shop
  • Nuru’s fruit shop
  • Several other businesses

Local business owners estimate losses in the range of crores of taka. However, the exact financial damage is yet to be determined.

END/MSS/AJ