A. A. Abir Akash, Lakshmipur District Representative
At least 20 businesses have been gutted in a massive fire at Ramgati Bazaar in Lakshmipur. Traders said the fire caused a loss of around Tk 2 crore. Police and fire service officials initially said the fire started from an electrical short circuit at a fuel shop.
The fire broke out around 6 am on Tuesday (February 11). Among the damaged businesses were several grocery and clothing stores.
Fire Service and affected traders said that around 6 am, traders saw a terrible fire starting from Masud Alam's oil and gas cylinder shop in Ramgati Bazar. The fire spread in all directions in an instant. 20 shops were completely burnt to ashes. Traders said that about 20 crore taka was lost. Later, two units of the Fire Service went to the spot with the help of police and traders and managed to bring the fire under control after an hour-long effort.
Many affected businessmen, including Masud Alam, said, "We closed our businesses at night and went home. In the morning, we suddenly received news that there was a fire in the market. Later, when we arrived, we saw that the shops had been burnt to ashes. There was a loss of several crores of taka. I am doing business with a lot of debts. What should I do now? There is darkness everywhere. Without government support, there is no way we can move forward."
Ramgati Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Kabir Hossain said, Masud Alam's oil and gas cylinder shop caught fire. After the oil and gas cylinder exploded, a terrible fire broke out. With the help of the fire service, police and locals, the fire was extinguished. Otherwise, there was a fear of more damage.
Ramgati Fire Service Sub-Inspector Md. Zakir Hossain said, "After receiving the news of the fire, two units worked for hours to bring the fire under control. Of these, 20 shops were burnt down. There was a lot of damage. However, it is initially believed that the fire started from an electrical short circuit. Damage assessment work is underway."
