DUMKI, Patuakhali — Two business establishments were completely gutted in a fire that broke out at Patabunia Bazar in Dumki upazila of Patuakhali early Sunday, causing an estimated loss of Tk 9 lakh.
The fire broke out at around 3:00 am on Sunday (September 6) at the market under Angaria Union.
According to the affected shop owners and residents, the fire was first noticed in the early hours of the morning. Local people rushed to the scene and tried to bring the blaze under control. However, the fire quickly spread to the two shops.
Residents alleged that negligence on the part of the power distribution authorities contributed to the extent of the damage. They claimed that several attempts were made to contact the local electricity office immediately after the fire broke out to disconnect the power supply, but the calls allegedly went unanswered for a considerable period.
According to the locals, even after the call was eventually answered, the electricity supply was not disconnected promptly, allowing the fire to spread further.
Rubel Khan, owner of Ratna Enterprise, said goods and other assets worth approximately Tk 5 lakh were destroyed in the fire.
Abul Hasan, owner of Suraiya Store, estimated his losses at around Tk 4 lakh.
When contacted over the allegation of negligence, Engineer Mehedi Hasan, AGM of Dumki Palli Bidyut, said the matter was being investigated.
“We are looking into the incident. If any negligence by our officials or employees is established, strict legal action will be taken following an investigation,” he said.
The incident has left the two shop owners in distress after they reportedly lost their businesses and belongings in the fire. Local business leaders have demanded a proper investigation into the incident and appropriate compensation for the affected traders.
Dumki Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abdullah Khairul Islam Chowdhury and the Officer-in-Charge of Dumki Police Station visited the affected shops and assured the victims of aiding to the extent possible.
The exact cause of the fire could not be immediately confirmed.
