A massive fire on Saturday morning destroyed eight shops at the Road Market in Thakurgaon municipality, causing an estimated loss of Tk 65–70 lakh.
According to preliminary reports from the fire service, the blaze likely started due to an electrical short circuit. Affected shops include grocery stores, tailors, electronics and shoe shops, as well as a warehouse. Many merchants had stocked extra goods in preparation for the upcoming Durga Puja festival, all of which were destroyed.
Two fire service units went to the scene, later joined by a third unit. Due to insufficient water supply inside the market, water had to be fetched from a river one and a half kilometres away. The fire was brought under control after about one and a half hours.
Thakurgaon Fire Service and Civil Defence inspector Mozammel Haque said that the fire was believed to have originated from an electrical short circuit, and losses were estimated between 65 and 70 lakh taka.
Thakurgaon deputy commissioner Israt Farzana visited the site and said that a list of the affected shops was being prepared, adding that the government would provide necessary assistance to the victims.