A major fire broke out at Sarkar Market in Mongla upazila of Bagerhat on Thursday afternoon, burning at least five shops. The blaze reportedly started around 4:12 p.m., with initial assessments suggesting an electrical short circuit as the cause. Witnesses said the fire spread rapidly from one shop to others, creating panic across the market area. Local residents tried to control the flames but were unsuccessful before fire service units arrived.

Two units from the Mongla Fire Service and Civil Defense reached the scene and brought the fire under control. Senior Station Officer Md. Emran Hossain said the initial investigation points to an electrical short circuit, and efforts are underway to assess the extent of the damage. No casualties were reported in the incident.

Affected shop owners reported significant financial losses, and local residents have called for stronger fire safety measures in the market to prevent similar incidents in the future.