A devastating fire swept through Ujani Para in Bandarban town early Monday, destroying a local food restaurant, Re Khyaing Restaurant, and four residential houses.
Police said residents noticed the fire at around 4:30am and immediately alerted the Fire Service.
Abdul Mannan Ansari, Assistant Director of Bandarban Fire Service, said two units rushed to the scene upon receiving the call.
Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two hours before bringing it under control.
Ansari added, “Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire. They have also not assessed the total damage.”
Bawai Pru, a resident of Ujani Para and a senior teacher at the Government Girls’ High School, said “I saw flames rising near Re Khyaing Restaurant at around 4:30am, close to the end of Sehri.”
He farther mentioned “The houses, built largely of wood and bamboo, allowed the fire to spread quickly. Residents panicked as neighbours rushed to the scene and tried to douse the flames before firefighters and police began full-scale operations.”
The early-morning blaze left the area shaken, with several families losing their homes and belongings.
