A massive fire gutted a Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) warehouse in Charmuguria area of Madaripur Sadar upazila in the early hours of Thursday, resulting in an estimated loss of Tk10 lakh.
According to the Fire Service and residents, the fire broke out at the warehouse at dawn. Locals initially attempted to extinguish the blaze but were unsuccessful as the fire spread rapidly.
Upon receiving the news, two units from Madaripur Fire Service arrived at the scene and brought the flames under control after an hour-long effort.
Large quantities of essential commodities, including rice, edible oil, pulses, and sugar, were destroyed before the fire could be contained. Madaripur Fire Service Inspector Sheikh Mohammad Ahaduzzaman stated that the fire is primarily suspected to have originated from an electrical short circuit.
He noted that the prompt intervention of the fire service saved a nearby jute warehouse from catching fire, which prevented a much larger disaster and further financial loss.
The affected businessman, Ismail Molla, said he had stocked a significant amount of food items just two days prior for public distribution. “I would not have stocked Tk10 lakh worth of goods here at once if I had known such a fire would occur,” he said.
Top officials from the upazila administration visited the site on Thursday morning to inspect the damage.
Madaripur Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Wadiya Shabab confirmed that necessary steps are being taken, and an investigation committee will be formed to determine the exact cause of the fire and the total extent of the damage. She added that authorities are investigating whether the incident was an act of sabotage or a natural occurrence involving government-allocated goods.
