200 shops burnt to ashes in N'ganj fire

At least 200 clothes shops and warehouses were gutted as a devastating fire swept through three tin-shed markets at Deobhog in Narayanganj city early yesterday.
Five people also sustained minor injuries when they tried to douse the fire.
The fire originated around 4:00am at Shuhrawardi Market and spread to the adjacent Bhuiyan and Rahmania markets, said Narayanganj fire officials.
The extent of damage is around 100 crores, claimed former general secretary of Deobhog clothes manufacturer owners' association and the victims.
Clothes and fabrics were stored in the warehouses for the upcoming Eid. Machineries and cash money were also burnt to ashes.
Md Ali, owner of Ali Fashions, said his goods around Tk 2.5 crore were gutted and now he is feeling helpless as he has a Tk 10 lakh loan.
The victim traders, who took loans from banks and NGOs, urged that their interests be waived and they get new loans.
Fire fighters from Dhaka and Narayanganj extinguished the blaze after three hours of frantic efforts.
The fire might have been originated from a mosquito coil, iron or cigarette butt, officials added.
Narayanganj deputy commissioner and the district police super visited the spot.
A seven-member probe body, headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner (general) Md Mahmudur Rahman Habib, was formed and asked to submit its report within seven days.