A massive fire, reportedly caused by an electrical short circuit, tore through the Sat Tola slum in Mohakhali before dawn on Wednesday, reducing more than 150 homes and several shops to ashes.
Though no casualties were reported, residents suffered immense losses, with many losing their homes, belongings, and life savings.
According to those affected, the fire broke out around 3:20 am. The predominance of tin-roofed houses allowed the flames to spread rapidly. Despite the prompt arrival of firefighters, a significant portion of the slum had already been engulfed by the blaze.
The Fire Service reported receiving the alert at 3:40 am. The first unit arrived within ten minutes, and by 5:20 AM, a total of eight units had brought the fire under control.
Hemayet, a shopkeeper who lost his business, said, “Since it is Ramadan, many people were awake. That’s why there were no fatalities, even though the fire spread quickly. Everyone escaped with just the clothes on their backs.”
Enayet, another victim, shared his heartbreak, saying, “I had Tk 2 lakh saved in a drawer at home. I was asleep when I heard people screaming. I rushed out with my wife and child, only to see flames everywhere. When I returned after the fire was doused, everything, including my savings, had turned to ashes.”
Farida Akhter, one of the affected residents, was seen searching through the charred debris for unburnt rice. “Our home is gone. We lost money, jewellery, household items—everything. Now, I’m just trying to salvage some rice so we have something to eat,” she said in despair.
Fire service officials confirmed that the fire originated from an electrical short circuit, causing devastating damage and leaving hundreds of slum dwellers in distress.
