A devastating fire has reduced 24 shops to ashes at Bhuiyarhat South Market in Subarnachar upazila of Noakhali district, causing losses worth several million taka, according to affected traders. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident.
Local witnesses said the blaze broke out suddenly at around 1:30 am on Tuesday (24 March) in a section of the market. Within moments, flames and thick smoke engulfed the densely packed row of shops, rapidly spreading from one structure to another. The late-night timing meant the market was largely deserted, though nearby residents rushed to the scene in an attempt to contain the fire using buckets of water and whatever means were available. However, the intensity of the blaze quickly overwhelmed their efforts.
A fire service unit arrived shortly afterwards and battled the flames for nearly two hours before finally bringing the situation under control. By that time, a significant portion of the market had been completely destroyed, leaving behind charred remains of what had been a busy commercial hub.
Preliminary assessments suggest that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the fire. Officials, however, have stated that a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause and to assess the total extent of the damage.
The affected shops included a diverse range of small businesses such as grocery stores, fruit stalls, pharmacies, cold corner outlets, hardware shops, and scrap metal traders. Traders reported that not only were their physical structures destroyed, but all goods, cash reserves, furniture, and business equipment stored inside were also lost in the fire. Many described the incident as financially devastating, leaving them in deep uncertainty about how to restart their livelihoods.
Local business owners also raised concerns over longstanding issues with the market’s electrical infrastructure. They alleged that exposed wiring and unsafe connections had been present for years, despite repeated complaints to the relevant authorities. According to them, no effective remedial action had been taken to mitigate the risk.
Summary of the incident
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bhuiyarhat South Market, Subarnachar, Noakhali |
| Time | Around 1:30 am, 24 March |
| Shops affected | 24 shops |
| Types of businesses | Grocery, fruit, pharmacy, cold corner, hardware, scrap |
| Casualties | None reported |
| Suspected cause | Electrical short circuit |
| Fire control time | Approximately 2 hours |
Local administration officials have confirmed that a list of affected ব্যবসায়ীরা (traders) is being prepared to assess potential relief measures. Authorities are also considering immediate support for the victims and have indicated that a review of electrical safety standards and fire prevention systems in the market area will be undertaken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The fire has cast a shadow of grief over the entire locality. With their businesses reduced to ashes overnight, the affected traders are now looking towards government and private assistance to rebuild their livelihoods and restore normalcy in the market.