Swapan Kumar Singh  :

A devastating fire in the early hours of Monday reduced four houses and a business establishment to ashes at Mestur Bari in Bengaduba village under Noapara Union (Ward No. 9) of Madhabpur upazila in Habiganj district, causing an estimated loss of Tk 50 lakh.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire broke out around 3:45am on October 27 from an electrical short circuit at the meter of businessman Subhash Sutradhar’s furniture workshop. Within minutes, the flames engulfed the semi-pucca tin-shed establishment, destroying modern furniture-making machines, wood, furniture, a refrigerator, an almirah, and about 5 tolas of gold ornaments—causing losses estimated at around Tk 40 lakh.

The fire then spread to nearby houses belonging to the late Amulya Sutradhar, Rupam Sutradhar, Dipon Sutradhar, and Dulal Sutradhar, resulting in additional damage of about Tk 10 lakh, according to affected families.

Two fire service units from Madhabpur rushed to the spot and, with the help of locals, managed to bring the blaze under control after about an hour. However, by that time, most of the properties had already been reduced to ashes.

During a visit to the site, it was found that the five affected families had lost everything and were left in a state of despair. The victims urged the government and well-off individuals to come forward with financial assistance.

Upon receiving news of the incident, Alhaj Syed Md. Shahjahan, former upazila chairman of Madhabpur and a noted social worker, visited the affected area, inquired about the victims’ conditions, and provided financial aid, promising further support in the future. Syed Ataul Mostafa Sohel, chairman of Noapara Union Parishad, also visited the spot and assured the families of necessary assistance.