A poultry farm in Madaripur was reduced to ashes after miscreants allegedly set it on fire early Tuesday, killing nearly all of the around 3,000 chickens kept there and causing losses amounting to several lakh taka.
The incident took place in Pakhira Rajarchar area of Khoajpur Union under Madaripur Sadar Upazila, leaving farmer Jasim Bepari financially devastated, locals and police said.
Jasim Bepari, who started the farm four years ago with about 800 chickens, had gradually expanded it to more than 3,000 birds by taking loans worth around Tk20 lakh, hoping to support his family through the business.
According to the farmer, the fire was not accidental and may have been set deliberately due to previous enmity, although he could not immediately identify the perpetrators.
“Everything is finished,” Jasim Bepari said. “I built the farm with great hardship and it was my only source of income. Almost all my chickens have died in the fire. I do not know how I will repay the loan or feed my family now.”
Local resident and journalist Rakib Hasan said they noticed the fire suddenly during the night and tried to douse it with water, but by the time help arrived, the farm had already been gutted.
Officer-in-Charge of Madaripur Sadar Police Station, Md Abul Kalam Azad, said the incident is being investigated.
“Legal action will be taken if a complaint is filed and evidence is found,” he said.
Residents said the destroyed farm was more than just a business for the family, calling it a symbol of survival built through years of effort, and demanded swift identification of those responsible along with support for the affected farmer.
