300 shops, houses gutted in Bandarban
At least 300 shops and houses were gutted in a fire at a market in Alikadam upazila early yesterday.
Witnesses said, the fire originated in a shop at about 2:45am and soon engulfed the adjacent establishments, mostly shops.
Two fire fighting units from Cox's Bazaar and Chokoria, army personnel from Alikadam cantonment, police and local people rushed to the spot and doused the fire at about 6:30 in the morning.
The reason behind the fire could not be known immediately.
The extent of damage caused by the fire was estimated at Tk 5 crore, Alikadam police said after a preliminary investigation.
Chairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board Bir Bahadur, who visited the spot, said corrugated iron sheets will be distributed among the victims soon.
In Thanchi upazila, nine dwelling houses were gutted in separate fire incidents at tribal dominated Baganpara and T&T Para yesterday, according to UNB.
Witnesses said, the fire originated from an oven of a kitchen and engulfed six adjoining houses in Baganpara.
In another fire incident in T&T Para, two more houses were gutted, they added.
In Noakhali, at least 14 business establishments were gutted at Khalifar Hat in Sadar upazila early yesterday.
Witnesses said, the fire originated from a stove of a tea stall at about 1am and soon engulfed the adjoining shops.
On information, fire fighters from Maizdi rushed in and doused the blaze after one hour of frantic efforts with the help of local people.
Victim shop owners claimed that goods worth Tk 1 crore were gutted in the blaze.
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