Shahjahan Ali Manon, Nilphamari District Representative:
A fire in Brahmattar Paschimpara of Kashiram Belpukur Union in Saidpur Upazila of Nilphamari has completely gutted 30 houses of 8 families along with their belongings. The fire caused a loss of about one crore taka. The fire broke out between 8:30 pm and 10:30 pm on Monday (February 10).
It is learned that the fire started in the house of Sekender Ali, son of deceased Osman Ali of the area, due to an electrical short circuit. Being a densely populated neighborhood, the fire spread quickly due to the many houses and the bedroom, kitchen and barn were completely destroyed. Along with this, all kinds of goods including furniture, electronic equipment, rice, cash and other belongings of the houses were burnt.
Although no one was injured, two cows and two goats died. The total damage is estimated to be around Tk 1 crore. A team from Rangpur's Taraganj Upazila Fire Service reached the spot 30 minutes after the fire broke out and brought the fire under control after about two hours of effort.
Sekender Ali claimed that his two semi-finished tin-shelved houses and belongings were burnt down in the fire, causing a loss of about 2 million taka. His brother Saidul Islam also suffered a loss of about 2 million taka. His own and his sons' 10 semi-finished tin-shelved houses were burnt down in the fire. Their 1 cow and 2 goats were burnt to death.
Moreover, eight bedrooms, two kitchens, and other belongings of Mokshed Ali's son Badsha Mia and his sons were completely destroyed. They also suffered a loss of about 1.5 million taka.
And the deceased Maqbul Hossain's son Abdul Quader and his children lost their 7 bedrooms, 2 kitchens and 1 cow, along with 1 lakh 50 thousand taka in cash. This also caused a loss of about 1.5 million taka to this family.
Kashiram Belpukur Union Parishad Chairman Lanchu Hasan Chowdhury said, "The severity of the fire was so great that 30 houses of 8 families have been burnt down so far. These families have become completely destitute. We have initially arranged for blankets and dry food with the help of the upazila administration."
Meanwhile, at the time of the incident, Saidpur Upazila Jamaat Ameer Hafez Maulana Abdul Muntakim and other leaders were present and participated in the rescue operation. Later, they arranged dinner for the affected families. At the same time, they assured them of necessary assistance for their rehabilitation.
Taraganj Upazila Fire Service Station Officer Sharif Abdullah said, "We reached the spot as soon as we received the news. Initial investigation has confirmed that the fire started due to an electrical short circuit. The extent of the damage can be determined after the overall investigation. However, it is estimated that it could be more than one crore taka." (Photo)
Shahjahan Ali Manon
Nilphamari District Representative
