A late-night fire has partially destroyed a market in Bandarban district, damaging approximately 48 shops and residential houses, according to local administration and fire service officials. The incident occurred at around 3:45am on Saturday night at Baghmara Market in Jamchhari Union, situated along the border between Rowangchhari and Bandarban Sadar upazilas.
Local accounts indicate that the fire originated in a shop located in the central row of the market. Following its outbreak, strong winds contributed to the rapid spread of the flames towards the western section of the market, where additional shops and nearby residential structures were quickly engulfed.
Eyewitnesses and local residents stated that most of the small businesses in the market remain closed and unattended during nighttime hours. As a result, the fire was not immediately detected after it began. By the time local traders and residents became aware of the incident and arrived at the scene, the fire had already expanded across multiple sections of the market, making early containment difficult.
Khushi Kumar Tanchangya, a local resident and member of the Jamchhari Union Parishad, stated that no individuals were present in the small shops at the time of the fire. He noted that this contributed to the delay in identifying the outbreak. He further explained that once the news spread, shop owners rushed to the area, but the flames had already intensified and spread widely.
Jamchhari Union Parishad Chairman Kyachingshoi Marma reported that preliminary assessments indicate around 48 shops and residential houses were damaged in the fire. He added that the majority of those affected were small and medium-scale traders. Due to the rapid spread of the fire, many business owners were unable to remove stock or personal belongings before the flames reached their premises.
Officials from the Bandarban Fire Service stated that the fire is suspected to have originated from an electrical short circuit in one of the shops. Senior Station Officer Md Iqbal Hasan said that while the exact cause remains under investigation, initial observations point towards an electrical fault. He also estimated that the total financial loss could be around five million Bangladeshi Taka.
Authorities have begun assessing the extent of the damage and compiling a list of affected properties and individuals. Emergency response teams continue to gather information to determine the full impact of the incident.
Preliminary Incident Overview
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Baghmara Market, Jamchhari Union, Bandarban District |
| Time of Incident | Approximately 3:45am, Saturday night |
| Estimated Damage | Around 48 shops and residential houses |
| Suspected Cause | Electrical short circuit |
| Estimated Financial Loss | Approximately 5 million Bangladeshi Taka |
| Most Affected Group | Small and medium-scale traders |
| Responsible Authorities | Local administration and Fire Service |
The investigation into the exact cause of the fire is ongoing.