CUMILLA: A recent fire in Madhaiya Bazar, Chandina Upazila, has been inaccurately depicted online as a communal attack, according to the fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner. The fire, initially reported by the fire service as originating from a stove, affected 72 shops, six of which belonged to Hindu community members.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the fire broke out on the night of December 29 and was controlled after two hours by the fire service. Despite efforts to contain it, the blaze caused significant damage due to the presence of flammable materials like wooden pallets, polythene, and plastic products in the area. The initial estimated loss stands at Tk 43 lakh, though this figure may rise.
Fire Service Cumilla’s Chandina Station Officer Anoy Ghosh stated that the fire likely began at a sweet shop named Salam Mishtanna Bhandar. The rapid spread was attributed to the combustible materials nearby. Reports from NTV, Jamuna TV, and Banglanews24.com corroborate this information.
To verify the incident’s details, Rumor Scanner analyzed a list of damaged shops compiled by the Madhaiya Bazar Traders Association. Signed by the association’s President KM Jamal and General Secretary Md. Anisur Rahman, the list confirmed that 72 shops were damaged, with six owned by Hindu individuals. These include Dr. Srinath’s Modern Pharmacy and Dr. Shanti Ranjan Roy’s Upande Homeo Hall, among others.
KM Jamal, President of the Madhaiya Bazar Traders Committee, confirmed to Rumor Scanner that the fire’s origin was accidental and not related to any communal tensions. The conclusion by Rumor Scanner underscores the fire incident in Cumilla as a misrepresented communal attack, emphasizing the need for accurate dissemination of information.