Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 9th February 2026, 4:36 AM
A devastating fire in Natore’s Gurudaspur Upazila has claimed the lives of a mother and her young daughter, leaving a family and local community in mourning. Another family member has been critically injured in the incident, which is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit.
The tragic event occurred at approximately 3:40 a.m. on Monday, 9 February, in the Zhaupara Binnabari area of Dharabarisha Union. The victims were Atiya, 28, wife of local farmer Rantu, and their one-year-old daughter, Rowaija. Rantu’s mother, Marzina Begum, sustained severe burn injuries and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Eyewitnesses and fire service personnel reported that a total of four residential buildings belonging to the family, along with an adjacent grocery shop, were completely destroyed in the blaze. In addition, twelve goats perished in the fire. Local estimates place the total financial loss at between 1 and 1.2 million Bangladeshi Taka.
According to Ataur Rahman, the Station Officer at Gurudaspur Fire Service, “We received the fire report at 4:45 a.m. and responded immediately. Despite our rapid intervention, the mother and her daughter had already succumbed to the flames.” He confirmed that preliminary investigations suggest an electrical short circuit may have triggered the fire.
The initial assessment of damages is summarised below:
| Damaged Property / Assets | Quantity | Estimated Loss (BDT) |
|---|---|---|
| Residential buildings | 4 | 500,000–600,000 |
| Grocery shop | 1 | 300,000–400,000 |
| Goats | 12 | ~50,000 |
| Total | – | 1,000,000–1,200,000 |
Residents of Zhaupara Binnabari played a crucial role in rescuing the injured and assisting fire personnel in controlling the blaze. Community members have emphasised the urgent need for regular inspection and maintenance of electrical systems to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The fire has left a profound mark on the local society, prompting authorities to provide emergency assistance to the affected family. A full investigation into the precise cause of the fire has been launched, and officials are reviewing safety protocols to prevent recurrence.
The Natore tragedy is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of household fires and the importance of fire safety awareness in rural communities.
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