Hundreds of shops gutted in Bhola fire

A fire in Bhola’s business hub broke out in the early hours of Saturday causing an estimated property damage of Tk1 crore. The incident took place at the Monihari Potti, Chawkbazar and Khalpar area. According to local sources, the fire started from a hardware store in Monihari Potti, which quickly spread to gas cylinders, oil drums and other combustible substances. At one point, the fire engulfed yarn, polythene and edible oils in the Khalpar area which made the situation worse. After that, one by one the stationery shops of Chawkbazar and grocery shops of Khalpar burnt to ashes. Six units of fire brigade were able to bring the fire under control at around 4:30 am, after trying for four hours. The affected business owners said the primary damage is around Tk1 crore. At the time, Deputy Commissioner Maksud Alam Siddique and Superintendent of Police Moktar Hossain along with some from the police team cooperated to put out the fire. Local people also came forward to provide help.