Fire ravages Barguna District Election Office; several documents burnt

A fire erupted at the Barguna District Election Office early Monday morning, destroying numerous documents, computers, and office furniture.

The incident occurred around 7 a.m., confirmed Md. Monir Uzzaman, Additional District Election Officer. According to office sources, the night watchman was drawing the curtains when a cleaner heard unusual noises coming from one of the rooms. Upon investigation, staff discovered a fire burning in the accounts section of the office.

The fire service was promptly alerted and arrived quickly to control the blaze. However, the fire caused significant damage to old voter lists, several ballot boxes, a computer, a refrigerator, and various documents and furnishings inside the room.

Md. Monir Uzzaman explained that the fire broke out while most people were still asleep, which contributed to the extent of damage in the affected room. Other parts of the office were affected by smoke but remained intact.

Jahangir Ahmed, Deputy Assistant Director of the Barguna Fire Service and Civil Defence, stated that the fire was reported at 7:26 a.m. Thanks to the proximity of the fire station, firefighters responded swiftly and contained the fire within the accounts section, preventing it from spreading to the adjacent main store that housed a large amount of materials.

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials noted that since the night watchman and other staff were present at the time, further inquiries will be conducted to determine the origin of the blaze.