Fire Incident at Sirajdikhan Market, Eight Shops Damaged

In a devastating incident in Sirajdikhan Upazila, Munshiganj District, at least seven to eight shops were partially or completely destroyed by fire during the early hours of Saturday, 27 December. Preliminary estimates suggest that the total losses could amount to approximately BDT 8 million.

The blaze broke out around 12:30 a.m. in the bustling Khatpotti area of Sirajdikhan market. According to local sources, the fire initially started at Kamal’s grocery store and quickly spread to neighbouring shops, engulfing them within moments.

A preliminary assessment of the damage indicates significant losses across several businesses: Shahabuddin’s hardware shop suffered losses of around BDT 4 million; Delower’s timber store lost goods worth approximately BDT 1.5 million; Kamal’s decorator shop was damaged to the tune of BDT 1.5 million; Abul Kalam’s tea shop lost around BDT 10,000; and Kamal’s grocery store incurred damages of roughly BDT 20,000. Additional nearby shops were partially affected by the fire.

Upon receiving the alert, the Sirajdikhan Police patrol team, units from Sirajdikhan and Tongibari Fire Services, and local residents rushed to the scene. Their combined efforts over nearly two hours successfully brought the fire under control.

Muhammad Shafiqul Islam, Deputy Director of Munshiganj Fire Service and Civil Defence, confirmed that the fire report was received at 12:42 a.m. Four fire units from Sirajdikhan and Tongibari worked diligently to douse the flames. Thankfully, no casualties were reported.

Authorities suspect that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze. Mr Islam added that swift action by the fire services helped prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent shops, limiting the scale of destruction. A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause and final extent of the damage.

This incident underscores the vulnerability of local markets to fire hazards, highlighting the importance of proper electrical maintenance and emergency preparedness in crowded commercial areas.