Dhaka, Feb. 25 -- Two separate fire incidents have torn through two bustling markets in Pirojpur, reducing at least 41 shops to ashes.

The first blaze ignited in Panchpara Bazar in Pirojpur Sadar Upazila, and the second erupted in Miarhat Bazar in neighbouring Nesarabad Upazila, authorities said.

According to Pirojpur Sadar Police Station chief Abdus Sobahan, the fire broke out at a sweets shop in Panchpara Bazar around 11:30pm on Monday.

A night watchman spotted the flames and raised the alarm, drawing local residents who rushed to douse the fire.

Emergency services were called, but by the time firefighters arrived about 30 minutes later, the blaze had already consumed 11 shops, including grocery stores, bookshops, and jewellery outl...