A ferocious fire triggered by an electrical short circuit has swept through a residential compound in Chattogram’s Boalkhali, destroying thirteen rented homes and two commercial shops. The landlord estimates that the blaze caused damages amounting to approximately 2 million taka, leaving low-income workers and families suddenly destitute.
The incident occurred at around 8:00 pm on Sunday (27 September) at Sheikh Bari in East Kalurghat, located in Ward 2 of Boalkhali Municipality.
According to eyewitnesses and emergency services, the fire originated inside a densely populated rental property owned by local landlord Jamal Sawdagor. Constructed primarily from corrugated tin, timber, and bamboo, the structures ignited rapidly in the evening air. Flames quickly engulfed adjacent units, preventing residents from salvaging their personal belongings or household valuables.
Alarmed by the rising smoke and intense heat, local residents raised an alert and initiated preliminary fire-fighting efforts before calling emergency services. Two firefighting units from the Boalkhali Fire Service Station arrived swiftly at the scene. Firefighters battled the inferno for nearly an hour before successfully bringing the flames under control and preventing further spread to nearby properties.
Jamal Sawdagor, the property owner, confirmed that the destroyed premises comprised thirteen residential rooms, a grocery store, and a local bakery. He added that the speed with which the inferno spread left tenants no time to rescue their possessions, culminating in financial losses estimated at 2 million taka.
The affected premises housed five families alongside several individual migrant workers, including garment factory employees, drivers, and construction workers hailing from various regions. Among those left homeless are Nasima, a garment worker from Chakaria; Shakil, a driver; Nezam, a driver from Bhola; Rajib, a garment worker; Helal, a bricklayer from Patiya; Jannat from Hazarirchar; and Munna, a driver from Ukhiya.
For many tenants, the loss extends beyond shelter to crucial cash reserves. Nasima Begum, a garment worker, recounted her ordeal through tears, explaining that she had kept her monthly earnings of 10,000 taka inside her room. The speed of the blaze left her with no chance to retrieve the cash or any clothing beyond what she was wearing.
Another eyewitness, named Sohel, noted that several tenants were away working evening shifts when the fire broke out. Upon returning, they discovered their homes reduced to ashes, leaving them reliant on local goodwill and community assistance for immediate relief.
Alok Chakma, Station In-Charge at Boalkhali Fire Service, confirmed the incident, stating that crews responded promptly upon receiving news of the emergency in East Kalurghat. He indicated that initial investigations suggest an electrical short circuit was the cause of the outbreak, confirming that no casualties or injuries were reported during the operation.
