A fire broke out at a Buddhist monastery named ‘Usaichen Buddhist Vihara (Bara Kang)’ in Ramu Sadar of Cox’s Bazar early Saturday.

However, there was no major damage as local people and fire service immediately brought the fire under control.

The incident took place at Cheranghata area of Ramu upazila, Ramu Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abu Taher Dewan confirmed the matter.

Following the incident, a team of police has been stationed at the site. On Saturday morning, administrative officials, along with the police, conducted an inspection of the incident site.

Abu Taher Dewan stated, “On Friday night, the Usaichen Buddhist Monastery made of century-old wooden structures, housing priests and others from the Rakhine community in the Cheranghata area of Ramu Sadar, caught fire suddenly around 2 am.

“When those inside the monastery started shouting, local residents rushed forward to extinguish the fire. Subsequently, upon receiving the news, the Ramu Fire Service personnel brought the fire under control. A wooden structure inside the Buddhist monastery has been damaged due to the fire, but major losses were averted as the fire was swiftly controlled.”

The OC further mentioned, “The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and it is uncertain whether it was an accidental incident or an act of sabotage. Police have been conducting an investigation. Footage from all surrounding CCTV cameras, including those at the Buddhist monastery, is being collected for further analysis.”

End/UNB/Corr/MB/KW