United News of Bangladesh

From dawn to late night, Khulna’s commercial heartbeats pulse through its crowded markets, where hundreds of shops conduct business worth crores of taka every day. Yet behind the bustle and bargaining lies a silent, growing danger -- fire. At least 23 large and small markets across Khulna city are facing acute fire risks due to a lack of basic safety measures, according to Fire Service officials. Narrow access roads, unplanned shop layouts, tangled electrical wiring and the absence of firefighting facilities have turned many of the city’s busiest trading hubs into potential death traps. Most of these markets have developed over the years without proper planning or approval from the Khulna Development Authority (KDA), the Fire Service or other relevant agencies. As a result, even a minor spark could trigger a devastating blaze, causing massive losses and endangering countless lives. A Daily Fear for Traders For traders, fear has become part of their daily routine. “We open our shops every day with fear,” said Md Kamal Hossain, a cloth trader at Boro Bazar, adding, “A small spark could finish everything. With so many traders packed into narrow lanes, we remain anxious all the time. The roads need to be widened. We have raised the issue with our traders’ association, but there has been little progress.” Similar concerns echo through Notun Market, Suhrawardy Biponi Bitan, Horoz Market and the markets along Bhairab Stand Road--all among those identified as highly vulnerable. At Moshla Patti, spice trader Delwar Hossain said repeated appeals have gone unheard. “We keep asking for the market roads to be widened, but no one listens. The Fire Service sometimes visits and gives us basic instructions. We are doing business cautiously,” he said. St Martin’s-bound cruise ship catches fire in Cox’s Bazar jetty; 1 killed Inside a Looming Disaster The danger becomes starkly visible inside places like the Khan Jahan Ali Hawkers Market. Narrow alleys—often no more than four to five feet wide—are lined with shops on both sides. In some sections, goods spill into walkways, while clusters of exposed electrical wires hang overhead. During peak hours, movement becomes difficult and breathing uncomfortable. In the event of a fire, escape routes would be virtually non-existent. This scenario is not unique. Fire Service officials say almost all major commercial areas in Khulna share similar conditions. Firefighters Face Barriers According to Md Masud Sardar, acting deputy director of the Khulna Fire Service, at least 23 markets in the metropolis have been categorised as high-risk zones. “If a fire breaks out in these places, our vehicles cannot enter,” he said, adding, “Without training and infrastructural development, accidents cannot be prevented. We face serious challenges.” Sardar pointed to tangled electrical wiring, narrow lanes, lack of firefighting equipment and inadequate water supply as the primary reasons behind the heightened risk. “We have raised these issues in coordination meetings with various departments, including water administration. With everyone’s effort, we hope the situation will improve,” he added. Administration Promises Action The district administration says steps are being taken. Deputy Commissioner of Khulna Toufiqur Rahman said the authorities are working in coordination with the Fire Service and business associations based on the list of risky markets. “Training programmes and awareness initiatives have already been undertaken,” he said, acknowledging the scale of the challenge. Planners Warn of Catastrophe Urban planners, however, warn that awareness alone is not enough. “These markets developed in the city centre without any prior planning,” said Asif Ahmed, general secretary of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), Khulna unit. “Without immediate coordinated action involving the city corporation, KDA, power division, Fire Service and WASA, a major catastrophe could be imminent.” Woman, granddaughter die as house catches fire in Ctg He stressed that narrow roads must be widened, electrical cables placed underground, and adequate water supply and firefighting systems ensured in every market. A Ticking Clock The warning signs are already clear. According to Fire Service data, 291 small and large fire incidents were reported in Khulna district over the past year. As the city’s markets continue to expand vertically and horizontally without safety upgrades, the risk grows with every passing day. For thousands of traders and customers, Khulna’s commercial lifelines remain vibrant—but dangerously vulnerable.