A major fire broke out at a spinning mill in Bhaluka Upazila, Mymensingh, on Sunday night, causing significant damage estimated at approximately BDT 70 million.
The blaze erupted at Bashar Spinning Mill, located in the Nishinda area, around 10:45–11:00 PM local time. Swapon Ahmed, the General Manager of the mill, stated that the precise cause of the fire remains under investigation. However, preliminary reports suggest that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the incident. The factory employs a total of 630 workers.
The inferno destroyed finished goods, machinery, and other essential equipment, leaving the mill in a state that necessitated its temporary closure. The fire has not only disrupted production but also threatened the livelihoods of hundreds of employees who depend on the mill for their daily income.
Senior Station Officer Atikur Rahman of Bhaluka Fire Service reported that they received notification of the fire around 11:00 PM and immediately dispatched units to the site. Seven fire service units battled the blaze for approximately two and a half hours before bringing it fully under control.
Deputy Director (In-Charge) Purn Chandra Mutsuddy also visited the factory to assess the damage. He instructed management to strengthen fire safety measures and ensure stringent supervision of all safety protocols in the future.
The details of the incident and the initial assessment of losses are outlined in the table below:
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Factory Name | Bashar Spinning Mill, Nishinda, Bhaluka |
| Fire Timing | 15 February 2026, 10:45–11:00 PM |
| Number of Workers | 630 |
| Estimated Loss | Approximately BDT 70 million |
| Damaged Assets | Finished goods, machinery, equipment |
| Fire Service Units | 7 units; fire controlled in 2.5 hours |
| Responsible Officer | Purn Chandra Mutsuddy (Deputy Director, In-Charge) |
Local residents reported that the intensity of the smoke and flames caused widespread panic in the surrounding areas. They urged both mill workers and nearby inhabitants to remain vigilant during such emergencies.
Fire service officials emphasised the urgent need for proper electrical safety systems and rigorous fire suppression mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future. Analysts warn that the fire may also have wider economic repercussions for the region, as Bashar Spinning Mill has long served as a crucial source of employment and economic activity in Bhaluka.
With reconstruction and safety upgrades now a priority, authorities hope the mill can resume operations swiftly while safeguarding workers and assets against future hazards.