A devastating fire gutted three shops at Haji Market in Dhaperhat Bazar late Friday night, causing estimated losses of Tk 25 lakh and leaving three local businessmen destitute.
The fire, suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, quickly engulfed Raihan Shoe Center, Lipi Confectionery, and Ambia Confectionery. According to victims and witnesses, the flames spread so rapidly that shop owners could not save any cash or merchandise.
"My family depended entirely on this small business. Our children's education and all household expenses came from here. Now, everything is ash," lamented one of the affected traders.
Nazmul Sarkar, Station Officer of Pirganj Fire Service and Civil Defense, stated that two units from Palashbari and Pirganj rushed to the scene. While they managed to bring the blaze under control with local help, the shops were already destroyed.
Dhaperhat Union Parishad Chairman Shahidul Islam Shipon described the loss as "irreparable." On Saturday, the local Member of Parliament and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) visited the site.
The upazila administration has since provided emergency relief, including rice, pulses, and dry food, to the families.
