Fire burns city slum, restaurant at Naya Paltan

FE Report
A devastating fire burnt down some 50 shanties at a Mahakhali slum while another blaze broke out at a Nayapaltan house in the capital Friday.
The slum fire left at least two people injured, besides leaving many of the poor inmates in the open.       
"The fire originated at about 5:08 am in the slum at Mahakhali. We controlled it at about 7:07 am," Nilufar Yasmin, duty officer of Fire Service central office, told the FE.
A dozen teams of firefighters from Baridhara, Kurmitola, Tejgaon and headquarters offices rushed in and controlled the fire.  
Initially it was perceived that the fire might have originated from electric short circuit. But it will be ascertained after investigation, according to fire-service office.
People of the slum, widely known as Mahakhali Sattola Basti, got financial assistance from mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Annisul Huq.
He assured the slum-dwellers of providing all sorts of support for rebuilding.
Each of the households of the slum received Tk 2,000 from the mayor.  Besides, the local councillor served lunch to the fire victims.
"Two persons were injured due to fire. They are now receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). We are now providing safety to the slum- dwellers," Modhusudan, sub-inspector and in-charge of Mahakhali Police Box, told the FE.     
The financial losses caused by the blaze were estimated at Tk 1.5 million, according to the fire service's central office.   
Meanwhile, a fire also broke out at a building at Nayapaltan in the city later in the day. The fire occurred at about 5:45pm on the third floor of Tasfia Bhaban located on the east side of BNP central office.
A total of 14 fire-service teams rushed to the spot and doused the fire at about 6:05pm.  
However, the cause of the fire--on a day when the capital experienced a downpour--could not be ascertained yet.
"It could be known after the completion of investigation," a fire official said.
    talhabinhabib@yahoo.com