Md. Ilias Khan Faridpur Correspondent:

At least 17 shops have been gutted in a massive fire at Kadirdi Bazar in Boalmari Upazila of Faridpur. The fire broke out at around 10:15 pm on Saturday (October 18). According to local sources, the fire started at Nasir Darji's shop in Bachchu Molya Market, adjacent to the fish market in Kadirdi Bazar.

Initially, it is believed that the fire started from an electrical short circuit. Within moments, the fire spread to four markets including Bachchu Molya Market and Aziz Molya Market. At least 17 shops including a beauty shop, a drugstore, tailors, a seed store, a shoe shop and a restaurant were completely burnt down.

Upon receiving the news, the locals, members of the Madhukhali and Boalmari Fire Service tried to control the fire after about an hour and a half. However, the traders alleged that the fire service personnel reached the spot about an hour after the fire broke out.

Local retired army member Monir Hossain said, “There were few people in the market, the fire spread quickly. By the grace of God, my shop is intact.” UP member Bulbul Hossain said, “At least 17 businesses were burnt in the fire. The damage is more than crores of taka.”

Boalmari Fire Service leader Khalek Sheikh said, “The Madhukhali Fire Service had started working before we reached the spot. Two teams worked together to bring the fire under control in an hour.”

At around 1:30 am, Madhukhali Fire Service in-charge Rashedul Alam confirmed, “Thirteen shops were completely burnt in the fire. It is believed that the fire started from an electrical short circuit.”

It was initially reported that the market suffered damage worth crores of taka in the incident.