Bangladesh, Sept. 17 -- Thirteen shops were completely gutted in a devastating fire that broke out at Balipara Market in Thanchi Upazila of Bandarban early Wednesday.

The fire broke out around 4am. The market watchman spotted the flames and alerted the Fire Service. Upon receiving the news, local residents, Fire Service personnel, police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members rushed to the scene.

After nearly an hour of efforts, the fire was brought under control. All the goods in the 13 shops were destroyed, causing extensive damage.

Balipara Union Parishad Chairman Jiaong Marma said the estimated loss, including the shopkeepers' merchandise, was around Tk 1.5 crore.

He said a list of the affected shopkeepers would be submitted t...