Sreepur (Gazipur) Correspondent:
A terrible fire broke out in the Madhya Bazar area of Sreepur, Gazipur on Monday (November 3) morning. The fire was brought under control within about 20 minutes with the quick efforts of local traders and two units of the fire service, but by then all the goods in the two godowns had been burnt to ashes.
It is reported that the fire started in a cotton godown around 10:30 am. In this, the warehouse of Aminul Islam’s hardware shop and the cotton godown of Faruk’s coating and toshak were completely burnt down.
Local trader Aman Ullah said that after seeing the fire suddenly breaking out in the cotton godown around 10:30 am, the traders of the market tried to put out the fire. Later, the fire service personnel arrived and joined in. He added, “We need to think now about how logical it is to set up a cotton godown in the market. Such a fire occurred last year too.”
Another businessman, Rukunuzzaman, said, “The fire started from the cotton godown. The market next door was also at risk. It was possible to avert a major disaster due to the actions of the businessmen.”
Rezanur Rahman, headmaster of Mohammad Ali’s Academy, said, “There were 320 students present at my school next to the godown today. By the grace of God, a major accident has been averted. The administration should see how logical it is to have such a risky godown next to the school. I urge you to investigate and take necessary measures.”
Aminul Islam, a hardware trader, said, “There was a godown behind my shop where I used to store goods. The fire spread from the cotton godown next door and my goods worth about 5 lakh taka were burnt.”
Mahmudul Hasan, in-charge of the Mauna Fire Service, said that after receiving the information, two units of the Mauna Fire Service quickly went to the spot and brought the fire under control in about 18 minutes. Initially, it is believed that the fire started from an electrical short circuit. He also said that the fire caused an estimated loss of 5 lakh taka.