Fire destroys 13 shops in Bandarban

Thirteen shops were completely gutted in a fire that broke out at Balipara Bazar in Thanchi upazila of the district early today.

The fire broke out around 4am at the market. Being informed, firefighters, police and members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) rushed to the spot brought the blaze under control after nearly an hour of efforts.

Balipara Union Parishad Chairman Jiaong Marma said that goods and other belongings in the 13 shops were destroyed, causing an estimated loss of Taka 1.5 crore.

He said a list of the affected people would be prepared and submitted to Thanchi Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Abdullah-Al-Faisal.

The union parishad has also taken preparations to provide possible assistance and relief materials to the fire victims, he added.

Thanchi Fire Service Station Master Rahidul Islam Mridha said that the fire was initially suspected to have originated from an electrical short circuit.

However, the actual cause of the fire could not be confirmed until completion of the investigation, he added.