Devastating Fire Ravages Kadam Rasul Market in Sitakunda. 40 Business Establishments Burned.

Md. Omar Faruk, Special Correspondent. A devastating fire broke out at Kadam Rasul Raw Market in Bhatiari Union of Sitakunda Upazila, Chattogram, early Wednesday morning, leaving at least 40 small and large business establishments completely gutted. Affected traders have claimed that the fire caused losses worth approximately Tk 1 crore. The fire broke out at around 5:30 am on Wednesday (September 9) at Kadam Rasul Raw Market. Upon receiving the information, two units of Kumira Fire Service rushed to the scene and brought the blaze under control. According to local residents and Fire Service sources, the fire is initially suspected to have originated from an electrical short circuit at a quilt and bedding shop in the market. The flames quickly spread to nearby shops. Local residents also assisted the Fire Service personnel in controlling the fire. Although firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control after reaching the scene, several shops had already been completely destroyed. According to information provided by the affected traders, a total of 40 small and large shops were damaged in the incident. The affected businesses included furniture shops, grocery stores, hardware shops, salons, two pharmacies, tea stalls and other establishments. The affected traders said that their shop inventories, goods and business capital were completely destroyed in the fire, leaving many of them financially devastated. They claimed that the total losses from the incident could amount to around Tk 1 crore. Following the incident, Upazila BNP Member Secretary Md. Morsalin, Bhatiari Union BNP President and former chairman Anwar, and General Secretary Md. Khorshed Alam Member visited the affected area. They spoke with the affected traders and assured them of their support. Abdullah Al Mamun, Senior Station Officer of Kumira Fire Service, said, “After receiving information about the fire at Kadam Rasul Market, we quickly reached the scene and brought the fire under control. It is initially suspected that the fire originated from an electrical short circuit. However, the exact extent of the damage could not be determined immediately.” The affected traders have demanded government assistance and rehabilitation support to help them recover from the devastating fire.