Bandarban's RHD colony burned down in fire

Eight houses in the Roads and Highways Department's staff quarter have been burned down in a terrible fire in Bandarban.

Several more houses were damaged while extinguishing the fire that broke out around 9:30pm on Monday night.

Fire service and locals said that the fire erupted in the Roads and Highways Department's staff quarter at Islampur in Bandarban town and spread in all directions in an instant. Eight semi-pucca houses were completely burnt down in the raging flames. On information, two units of the fire brigade rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control around 11am after a long effort.

The extent of the damage in the fire was not initially known. However, the victims claimed that none of the colony's employees could save any of the belongings in the house, and all the valuables including gold ornaments were burnt.

Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ara Rini and other officials of the administration and law enforcement agencies visited the spot. During the inspection, the deputy commissioner assured all-out cooperation to the victims.

Bandarban Fire Service Station Officer Abdur Rouf said the cause of the fire is initially believed to be an electrical short circuit. Six houses were completely burnt down in the fire. Some were damaged. The extent of the damage in the fire could not be immediately ascertained.