Munshiganj (South) Correspondent 

devastating fire broke out in front of the Srinagar Sub-Registry Office in Munshiganj late Saturday night, reducing 20 shops to ashes. Most of these shops served as offices for deed writers associated with the registry office. The fire reportedly started around 2:00 AM.

Upon receiving the news, four firefighting units from Srinagar and Sirajdikhan fire stations rushed to the scene and began efforts to control the blaze. After nearly an hour of effort, the fire was partially under control by 3:00 AM, and fully extinguished by 4:00 AM.

Srinagar Fire Station Officer Dewan Azad Hossain stated that among the destroyed shops were deed writing offices, grocery stores, tea stalls, restaurants, variety stores, and photocopy centers. The fire completely destroyed years of investment and livelihood for the business owners.

He added that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. Although the exact damage is still being assessed, the estimated loss is believed to be over 2 million taka.

He further mentioned that almost every shop not only served deed writing purposes but also ran additional businesses. In some cases, multiple deed writers worked in one shop, making it difficult to immediately determine the number of victims.

Local businessmen said, “This was our only source of livelihood. Everything is gone. We appeal to the government for rehabilitation support.” The exact cause of the fire remains unknown.

Police and administrative officials have launched a formal investigation.

Meanwhile, the burning down of deed writers' offices has severely impacted individuals whose property registration processes were being handled by them. Typically, the receipt of the deed stays with the deed writer, and after about two years — when the original deed is included in the registry's volume — that receipt is required to retrieve the original document. With those receipts now destroyed, many fear serious complications and delays.

However, the Registrar of the Srinagar Sub-Registry Office stated, “Although some inconvenience may occur, I will consult with higher authorities to implement an easier process. We will ensure that the deed recipients do not suffer while trying to retrieve their original documents.”