Photo: BSS

BAGERHAT, Aug 19, 2026 (BSS) - A devastating fire broke out at the traditional Faltita Bazar in Fakirhat upazila of the district early today, gutting 13 shops.

The fire broke out at around 3:30 am and quickly spread to adjacent shops. On receiving the information, a team from Fakirhat Fire Service and Civil Defence rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control after nearly two hours of frantic efforts.

Of the 13 shops gutted in the fire, two were sweet shops, two hotels, two grocery stores, one fast-food outlet and several other food shops. 

The affected traders said they rushed to the market after receiving news of the fire and reached there at around 4 am. They claimed that cash and goods stored inside the shops were also destroyed, leaving them facing substantial financial losses.

Fakirhat Fire Service and Civil Defence Station Officer-in-Charge Md Shahjahan Mia said firefighters reached the spot soon after receiving the information and brought the fire under control after about two hours of efforts.

He said the fire was initially suspected to have originated from an electrical short circuit.

However, the exact cause of the fire and the extent of the damage will be known after a detailed investigation.