Around 40 families lost their homes, furniture, cash and essential documents in a devastating fire in Jelepara village of Ali Akbar Dail union in Kutubdia upazila, Cox’s Bazar, early Saturday.
The fire broke out around 2:00 am on October 24, burning down about 40 semi-pucca, tin-roofed houses. Affected families now face uncertainty after losing most of their belongings.
Among them is the family of Nayan Das, who had borrowed Tk 100,000 for his gallbladder surgery. The fire destroyed the money, his original degree certificate, and other household belongings.
Residents said the fire first broke out at Didar Joldas’s house before spreading rapidly to neighbouring homes. Two units of the Fire Service arrived and worked with residents to extinguish the blaze. They brought it under control around 5:00 am after nearly three hours of effort.
Sohel Ahmed, an official at Kutubdia Fire Service Station, said the units received the alert around 2:00 am and arrived at the scene around 2:30 am. By then, around 40 houses had been damaged by the fire. He said the blaze was initially suspected to have originated from a cooking fire.
Nayan Das’s wife said the family had borrowed Tk 100,000 to pay for his gallbladder surgery, but both the cash and his original degree certificate were lost in the fire. The family is now facing the burden of debt alongside the cost of treatment and the loss of its home.
Resident Babul said the closely packed houses, built in a row, allowed the flames to spread quickly despite residents’ and firefighters’ efforts.
Akhtar Kamal Sikder, acting chairman of Ali Akbar Dail Union Parishad, said he visited the scene during the night after receiving the news. He confirmed that at least 40 houses had been burnt and said steps were being taken to provide emergency assistance to the affected families.
Dr AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, assistant secretary-general of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and a former member of parliament, expressed sympathy for the victims, particularly members of the Hindu community.
He urged the administration, public representatives, social organisations and individuals in a position to help to provide emergency food, clothing and temporary shelter, and to take effective steps towards rehabilitation.
Residents have also called on the government and private sector to help affected families rebuild their lives.
By Tarekur Rahman
Photo: Collected
