At least seven shops were gutted after a fire broke out at Omar Ali Market in Chattogram city's leather warehouse area early Friday (January 31).

According to Agrabad Fire Service, nine units from Agrabad, Karnaphuli, Chandanpura, Nandan Kanan, and Lama Bazar fire stations worked for five hours to bring the blaze under control.

Md Abdul Malek, assistant director of the Fire Service, said firefighters began their efforts immediately after receiving the fire alert around 5:00 am. The fire was brought under control by 10:00 am.

He said the fire is suspected to have originated from an electrical short circuit. 

The extent of the damage will be determined after further investigation, he added.

BDST: 1243 HRS, JAN 31, 2025
MSK