A fire allegedly started with petrol destroyed 11 homes in Raipur upazila of Lakshmipur early on Sunday, leaving several families facing the immediate loss of shelter and essential belongings.
The fire broke out at around 4.30am at Ashhak Bepari Bari, near Basabari Bazar in Sonapur Union. Household furniture, clothing, cash, food supplies and other necessities were destroyed as the flames spread rapidly from one dwelling to neighbouring homes.
Police identified the man allegedly responsible as Mohammad Sohel, 40, a local resident. His own home was also among those destroyed in the blaze. After being assaulted by local residents, Sohel was rescued and taken to Raipur Upazila Health Complex, where he is receiving treatment for his injuries.
According to people living in the area, the fire originated inside Sohel’s house. They alleged that he poured petrol inside the dwelling and set it alight. Because the houses were located close to one another, the flames spread within moments, making it difficult for residents to salvage their belongings.
Farmer Siddiq Ullah was among those affected. His entire home was destroyed. He said the fire spread so quickly that there was no opportunity to remove even basic necessities from the house. All the household goods and cash stored there were lost.
Another resident, Ahsan Ullah, said his family managed to escape wearing only the clothes they had on. Furniture, clothing, money and other possessions were consumed by the flames. The sudden destruction has left affected families uncertain about where they will stay and how they will rebuild their homes.
After receiving news of the fire, two units from the Raipur Fire Service and another unit from Lakshmipur reached the scene. Firefighters worked for about an hour before bringing the blaze under control in the morning. By then, however, 11 homes had been burnt.
Sonapur Union Parishad chairman B M Shahjahan Kismat alleged that Sohel regularly used drugs and that he set fire to his own home while under the influence. The allegation will need to be established through the relevant investigation and legal process.
Raipur Fire Service acting in-charge Syed Ahmed said the affected structures were mainly made of corrugated metal sheets, allowing the fire to spread quickly. He estimated the preliminary financial loss at around Tk 50 million, although the final amount may require further assessment.
Raipur police officer-in-charge Nizam Uddin Bhuiyan confirmed that 11 homes were destroyed. He said Sohel had been taken to the upazila health complex after being assaulted by local people and that necessary legal action would be taken in connection with the incident.
The fire has left the affected families dealing with more than property damage. For those who lost their homes, replacing everyday essentials and finding temporary shelter are now immediate concerns. The incident has also highlighted how quickly a fire can spread through closely situated residential structures, particularly when flammable materials are involved.
