A devastating fire engulfed ten houses in Nawabganj, Dinajpur, on Tuesday evening, claiming the life of 72-year-old Roich Uddin, who was paralysed and unable to escape. The blaze broke out at Maharajpur Cluster Village in Mahmudpur Union. Roich Uddin was the son of the late Yusuf Teli.
Abu Musa, Station Officer of Nawabganj Fire Service, reported that the fire service arrived promptly and managed to bring the blaze under control, but not before the ten houses were completely destroyed. He confirmed that Roich Uddin could not flee due to his physical condition. In addition to the tragic loss of life, seven cattle also perished in the fire.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit may have sparked the fire, with initial losses estimated at approximately 1.5 million taka. Authorities emphasised that the cause of the blaze remains under investigation, pending further inquiry.
UNO Zillur Rahman stated that a comprehensive list of affected families is being prepared. Efforts are underway to provide urgent assistance and rehabilitation, covering the loss of homes, cattle, and the tragic death. Relief measures will include temporary shelter, financial support, and other necessary aid for the victims.
Officer-in-Charge Abdul Matin of Nawabganj Police Station confirmed that the deceased was paralysed and confined to his room at the time of the fire. With no complaints from family members, the body was handed over to relatives. He reiterated that the fire is believed to have been caused by a short circuit but emphasised that the investigation is ongoing.
The incident has left the local community in shock, highlighting vulnerabilities in housing safety and fire preparedness in cluster villages. Neighbours and local officials have called for improved awareness regarding electrical safety and emergency preparedness to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Key Details: Nawabganj Fire
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday evening, 2 December |
| Location | Maharajpur Cluster Village, Mahmudpur Union, Nawabganj, Dinajpur |
| Fatality | Roich Uddin, 72, paralysed |
| Houses destroyed | 10 |
| Livestock lost | 7 cattle |
| Suspected cause | Short circuit |
| Estimated loss | 1.5 million taka |
| Authorities involved | Nawabganj Fire Service, UNO Zillur Rahman, OC Abdul Matin |
| Relief measures | Assistance, rehabilitation, temporary shelter |
The fire has prompted renewed calls for stricter safety measures, timely disaster response, and community awareness programmes to safeguard vulnerable residents in the region.