Gafargaon (Mymensingh) Correspondent:
A terrible fire broke out in a Jama Masjid in the Barbaria Madhyapara area of Gafargaon Upazila of Mymensingh. Although the fire was brought under control with the joint efforts of the locals and the fire service, extensive damage was caused to the furniture and installations inside the mosque.
According to local sources, a fire suddenly broke out in the Barbaria Madhyapara Jama Masjid at around 3 am on Monday (February 23). Within moments, the flames of the fire spread all around the mosque. Seeing the smoke and flames of the fire, local devotees and locals quickly rushed to the spot and started trying to put out the fire. At the same time, the fire service was informed.
Upon receiving the information, a team from the Gafargaon unit of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defense quickly reached the spot and started working to control the fire. The fire was completely brought under control after about an hour of effort with the help of fire service members and locals.
However, before the fire was brought under control, various items including electrical equipment, miking system, fans, carpets and others inside the mosque were burnt. It is reported that the infrastructure of the mosque was also partially damaged.
After the fire was brought under control, a shadow of mourning descended on the area. Worshippers said that they narrowly avoided a major accident. No casualties were reported in the incident. The initial idea of the fire service is that the fire may have started from an electrical short circuit. However, an investigation is underway to find the exact cause.
Meanwhile, local worshippers have sought the cooperation of the wealthy and concerned authorities in the reconstruction of the mosque.