12 shops gutted

At least 12 shops were gutted in a fire at Pardia Bazar in Monirampur upazila of Jessore early yesterday. Police said the fire originated from an electric short circuit at a store and soon engulfed the other adjoining shops. On information, firefighters rushed to the spot and doused the blaze after two hours of frantic efforts. The affected shop owners claimed that the loss caused by the fire could go up to Tk1.5 crore.