A devastating fire in Gharial Danga Union of Rajarhat Upazila, Kurigram, has reduced twelve homes belonging to five families to ashes, along with household belongings worth over BDT 30 lakh. The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening, has left the affected families homeless and shaken the local community.
According to preliminary reports, the fire broke out around 7:00 pm on 24 January in Char Gatiyasham village, Ward No. 5, engulfing the homes of Hanif Ali, his three sons, and two other families. Within moments, the flames spread rapidly, consuming the structures and their contents, including furniture, clothing, and other valuables, as well as cash reportedly kept inside the houses.
Shahidul Islam, a former Union Parishad member of Char Gatiyasham, confirmed the incident and described the scene as catastrophic. “The smoke began to rise suddenly, and before anyone could respond, the fire had engulfed the homes completely,” he said. “Thankfully, once the fire service was notified, they arrived promptly and managed to control the blaze.”
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, but many local residents suspect it may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit. Authorities have urged villagers to exercise caution with wiring and electrical appliances while investigations continue.
Rajarhat Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ali Imran stated that the administration is aware of the incident and has already provided initial assistance. “We have distributed blankets and food items to the affected families. Tomorrow, a more comprehensive government-supported relief programme will be organised to provide further aid,” he added.
Summary of the Fire Incident:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Char Gatiyasham, Gharial Danga Union, Rajarhat Upazila, Kurigram |
| Date & Time | 24 January 2026, around 7:00 pm |
| Number of Families Affected | 5 |
| Number of Homes Destroyed | 12 |
| Estimated Loss | Over BDT 30 lakh |
| Likely Cause | Suspected electrical short circuit |
| Immediate Assistance Provided | Blankets and food items by local administration |
| Next Steps | Government-supported relief planned |
Local residents have expressed deep concern over the vulnerability of homes in the area, citing that many houses are built from flammable materials. Social workers and volunteers have joined efforts to support the families, providing temporary shelter and essential supplies. The administration has assured that a detailed survey of the damages will be conducted, and long-term aid will be provided to help rebuild the affected households.