Photo: BSS

BANDARBAN, Nov 5, 2025 (BSS) - A devastating fire gutted seven shops early Wednesday at Baishari Bazar in Naikhongchhari upazila of the district.

The blaze broke out around 2 am in the market area adjacent to Hafez Khana on the eastern side of Baishari Bazar. Traders said the fire spread rapidly, engulfing several shops before firefighters and locals managed to bring it under control.

The affected establishments include grocery shop, rubber warehouse, tea shop, cooling corner, furniture shop, goods warehouse and rice warehouse.

Hakim Ali, a market watchman who first spotted the flames in Jasim Uddin's rubber warehouse, immediately alerted the market committee. Following an announcement over the mosque's loudspeaker, local traders and residents rushed to the scene to help extinguish the fire.

A team from the Naikshangchhari Fire Service reached the spot promptly and brought the blaze under control within about an hour, preventing it from spreading to nearby shops. 

Police personnel from the Baishari Investigation Center, led by in-charge Anwarul Islam, also assisted in the operation.

Abdul Karim, president of the market committee, said preliminary information suggests that the fire might have originated from a mosquito coil left burning inside one of the shops.

"We reached the spot quickly after receiving the news and brought the fire under control. The situation is normal now," said Shahidul Alam, in-charge of the Naikshangchhari Fire Service.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Mazharul Islam Chowdhury said a list of affected traders is being prepared and initiatives will be taken to assist them in rehabilitation.