80 homes, shops gutted in Bandarban

Around 80 shops and houses were burnt to ashes in a devastating fire at Rowangchhari Bazar of Bandarban early yesterday.

Quoting locals, Rowangchhari UNO Mehedi Hasan said the fire might have broken out due to a short circuit in an electricity wire of a poultry shop at the market.

The fire mostly damaged grocery, clothing, hardware, and food shops and pharmacies. It gutted properties worth around Tk 3 crore, the UNO added.

Mong Swe Nu Marma, officer at the Rowangchhari fire station, said two fire engines from Rowangchhari and Bandarban Sadar upazilas doused the flames after fighting the blaze for about three hours.

Mau Sang Marma, a local resident, said his house was burnt down and he couldn't save anything.

Nandon Baua, who lost his house and three shops to the fire, said he had invested Tk 40 lakh in his shops and there was nothing left now.