A devastating fire burnt to ashes the Jamaat-e-Islami鈥檚 ward no-9 office and at least seven adjoining shops in Khulna city Thursday afternoon.
The blaze also destroyed two battery-run auto-rickshaw garages, two easy-bikes, two refrigerators, and three rickshaws.
Witnesses said the fire broke out at around 2:00pm on road no-19 in the city鈥檚 Mujgunni area, reportedly originating from an electrical short circuit at a grocery shop.
Within moments, the flames spread rapidly to nearby establishments, including the Jamaat office and several small businesses.
On receiving information, five fire service units from Boyra, Daulatpur, and Khalishpur stations rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control after about 30 minutes of frantic efforts.
Abu Yusuf, senior station officer of the Khulna fire service, said the fire is believed to have started from an electrical short circuit.
鈥楽even shops, two garages, and furniture at the Jamaat office were damaged,鈥� he said, adding that the estimated loss ranged between Tk 30 to 40 lakh. No casualties were reported in the incident.
Fire officials said an investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and determine the total extent of the damage.
