Staff Reporter: Midnight fire in Baunia slum in Kalshi area of Mirpur, Dhaka early Friday made over 400 people homeless.
The fire destroyed everything of those people which burnt at least 40 shanties and 20 shops adjacent to the slum.
Fire service officials said the fire erupted at 1:00 am from electric short circuit. The fire service men brought the fire under control around 2:00am.
Fire service duty officer Rasel Shikder said about 40 shanties were gutted sharply after fire erupting. A man was given primary health care as he had fallen sick after inhaling smoke.
Police helped the fire fighters in dousing the blaze, said Mostaq Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (Mirpur division).
Two cows were burned dead in the incident.
Abul Kashem, from the slum, said people run sharply leaving everything of their belongings in shanties as the fire broke out.
They are staying now under the open sky without any warm cloths. Children will suffer the most in this cold wave and drizzle.
