Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 24th February 2026, 7:50 AM
A major fire broke out late Monday night at the Baitun Noor Shopping Centre, located adjacent to New Market in Khulna. Local reports indicate the blaze originated around 11:00 pm in the ‘Godhuli’ mobile phone shop, situated in the central section of the complex, and quickly spread to neighbouring stores.
Eyewitnesses and shop owners recounted that smoke was first noticed at approximately 11:00 pm, prompting alerts to the security personnel. When staff entered the shop, flames were already visible. Initial attempts to contain the fire using four fire extinguishers proved futile. The spread was exacerbated by tangled electrical wiring and explosions from air conditioning units within the premises.
Deputy Director of Khulna Fire Service and Civil Defence, Abdul Malek, confirmed that six fire service units responded promptly and succeeded in bringing the fire under control by 1:15 am. Preliminary investigations suggest that an electrical short circuit was likely the source of ignition. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported.
Shop owners highlighted systemic hazards in the shopping centre’s infrastructure. They noted that exposed and disorganised electrical wiring, along with flammable materials from indoor AC units, contributed to the rapid propagation of the fire.
An initial assessment of the damage to affected stores is summarised below:
| Shop Name | Damage Type | Estimated Loss | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Godhuli Mobile | Completely destroyed | Severe | Origin of fire |
| Next Generation Gadget | Partially damaged | Moderate | Fire extinguisher used |
| Style Smart Phone | Partially damaged | Moderate | Electrical wiring accelerated fire spread |
| Other 7–9 shops | Partially damaged | Minor to moderate | Exposed to direct flames |
The Fire Service emphasised that poor electrical management and the presence of flammable materials within the complex were key factors in the fire’s rapid escalation. Authorities have pledged a comprehensive review of the damage, with a full report expected upon completion of the investigation.
Meanwhile, local administration has instructed shopping centre management to reassess safety measures and strengthen fire prevention protocols. The incident has caused widespread concern among Khulna’s merchants, who are calling for enhanced security systems and the availability of fire-fighting equipment to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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