Jhalokathi , Aug 05 (V7N) — A pregnant woman with a speech disability and her four children have been left homeless after a fire destroyed their family's only house in Rajapur Upazila of southern Bangladesh, leaving them to live in the open without shelter.
The incident occurred in the Bilerbari area of South Tarabunia village under Saturia Union, where the home of day labourer and carpenter Dulal Bepari was completely gutted by fire.
According to the family, the blaze broke out while they were away from home. They allege that unidentified individuals deliberately set the house on fire. The flames spread rapidly, and despite efforts by local residents to extinguish the fire, the house and all of its contents were destroyed.
The fire consumed household furniture, clothing, important documents, cash and other essential belongings, leaving the family with virtually nothing.
Dulal Bepari said he had built the modest house about two years ago on a small plot of land provided by his father-in-law after years of hard work.
"There was no electricity connection in the house, so I do not believe the fire was accidental," he said. "I earn a living as a carpenter. My wife is mute and pregnant, and we have four young children. We have lost everything and are now living under the open sky."
He estimated the financial loss at approximately Tk 3 lakh.
Local residents described the family as extremely vulnerable and appealed to government authorities, humanitarian organisations and charitable individuals to provide emergency assistance.
They said immediate support is needed to ensure safe shelter, food and medical care, particularly for the pregnant woman and the couple's four children.
Community members have also called on local authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and bring those responsible to justice if criminal involvement is confirmed.
The family is currently relying on assistance from neighbours while awaiting government support and humanitarian relief.
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