Fire guts 35 shops in Khagrachhari's Dighinala market

At least 35 shops were destroyed in a fire at Boalkhali Market under Dighinala in Khagrachhari.

The fire broke out around 2:30am on Thursday (March 27).

Four fire units from Dighinala and Sadar stations rushed to the scene and brought the blaze under control after nearly three hours, around 6:00am.

Dighinala Fire Service in-charge Pankaj Barua said the affected shops included pharmacies, clothing stores, and other businesses. While the exact cause is under investigation, preliminary reports suggest an electrical short circuit may have triggered the fire. The full extent of the damage will be assessed later.

Police, army personnel, and local residents assisted the firefighters in controlling the blaze.

Local traders said recurring fires in the market are worsened by inadequate water supply and lack of permanent fire prevention measures.

The incident comes just ahead of the Baisabi festival, a major event in the hill tracts, with many traders having stocked new goods. Many now face significant financial losses, with some fearing total ruin.

A similar major blaze took place at the same location last year.