Ukhiya, Nov 11 (V7N) — A massive fire broke out in Ukhiya Market on Monday afternoon, claiming the life of Mohammad Ali, a cloth trader, and destroying approximately 15–20 shops, including those selling clothing, fruits, fertilizers, groceries, medicines, raw materials, and laundry services. The fire occurred around 3:30 p.m. in the western section of the market, and it took authorities nearly two hours to bring it under control.

Eyewitness Aman Ullah, a local trader, said that the fire spread rapidly across the western part of the market, engulfing multiple shops before fire services and law enforcement could contain it. The exact cause of the blaze remains unknown, and the total financial loss is yet to be assessed.

Upon receiving the report, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police, Ansar, and the Bangladesh Army immediately deployed personnel to maintain law and order. Traffic on both sides of the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf highway was temporarily halted due to the fire.

Ukhiya Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Md Kamrul Hasan Chowdhury stated, “A fire broke out in a market on the western side of Ukhiya. Seven units of the Fire Service, with assistance from the army, police, Ansar, and local residents, managed to control the blaze after two hours.”

He added, “One trader, Mohammad Ali, lost his life. Around 15–20 shops were destroyed, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Investigations are ongoing to determine how the fire started and the total losses incurred.”

Local authorities and emergency responders are continuing efforts to evaluate the damage and ensure safety in the affected area, while urging residents and shopkeepers to remain cautious in the aftermath of the fire

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