Six residential houses and a restaurant were  completely gutted in a devastating fire. Photo: BSS

BANDARBAN, March 2, 2026 (BSS) - Six residential houses and a restaurant were 
completely gutted in a devastating fire that broke out early this [Monday] 
morning in Ujani Para of Bandarban municipality.

The fire erupted around 6:00 am in Ward No-5 of the municipality.

According to eyewitnesses, flames were first spotted at 5.30 am in the 
kitchen of a local restaurant. Residents immediately alerted the Fire Service 
and Civil Defence. However, by the time firefighters arrived at the scene, 
several tin-shed and semi-pucca houses had already been engulfed in flames.

The blaze spread rapidly, fueled by the closely built structures and 
flammable materials, causing extensive damage to surrounding buildings. 
Furniture, household belongings, and essential items of multiple families 
were reduced to ashes.

Assistant Director Abdul Mannan Ansari of the Bangladesh Fire Service and 
Civil Defence said that four firefighting units rushed to the spot and 
managed to bring the situation under control within an hour, but by then six 
houses and one restaurant had been completely destroyed.

Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ara Rini visited the affected area around 10:00 am 
and spoke with the victims, offering condolences and assurances of support. 

The district administration distributed food supplies, winter clothing, and 
cash assistance to the affected families.

The cause of the fire has yet to be officially determined.