, Jan. 2 -- A mysterious fire broke out at the old building of the Jessore Registry Office on Thursday night, destroying centuries-old documents, including volume books, balam registers, index books, and other important records.

The blaze started around 9:00 pm in the old office building. Within an hour, historical documents dating back to the British era were reduced to ashes.

Firoz Ahmed, Senior Station Officer of Jessore Fire Service and Civil Defence, said two units reached the site shortly after the alert. The building gate was locked, and no staff were present inside. Firefighters broke the lock to enter and managed to control the fire after about an hour.

Officials confirmed that two rooms housing old records were completely des...