A tragic fire at Saha Market in Faridganj upazila of Chandpur killed a 15-year-old shop worker and gutted at least five shops on Saturday.

The incident occurred around 10:00 am at the popular Saha Market in Subidpur West Union.

The deceased, Sabbir Hossain, was a resident of Salda area of Subidpur West Union and the son of Arif Hossain. Preliminary estimates by shop owners put the financial loss between 40 and 50 lakh takas.

According to sources, the fire originated from an electrical short circuit at a grocery store named `Jihad Fatema Store’ and rapidly spread to neighboring shops. While the shop owner, Zainal Ahmed, managed to escape, Sabbir was trapped inside as the back door was locked. A fridge explosion intensified the blaze, leaving him severely burned; he died on the spot.

Locals immediately informed the Faridganj Fire Service, but by the time the unit arrived, five shops, including Zainal’s grocery, Iman Pharmacy, Telu Gazi Furniture, Nazrul Islam’s fish feed shop, and Zahid’s workshop, were completely destroyed. Firefighters, with the help of locals, controlled the blaze after nearly an hour and recovered Sabbir’s charred body, which was handed over to Sub-Inspector Rakibul Islam of Faridganj police.

Sabbir had been working at Zainal’s store for several years.

Faridganj Fire Station Commander Kamrul Hasan confirmed that all affected shops were fully destroyed and that an electrical short circuit was likely the cause. Faridganj police officer-in-charge Helal Uddin said the incident is under investigation, and necessary legal action is being taken.