Dhaka, Feb. 28 -- A devastating fire early Friday gutted most shops at Shewrapara Kitchen Market in Dhaka, according to the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD).

Rakibul Hasan, duty officer at the FSCD headquarters, said the fire originated at a shop in the market near Shewrapara Metro Station on Begum Rokeya Sarani.

Upon receiving information at around 2:42 am, three firefighting units rushed to the scene. Later, five more units joined the operation, he said.

Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control after 45 minutes of efforts, and it was completely doused at 5:50 am, he added.

The cause of the fire and the extent of the damages are yet to be determined.

Traders reported that most shops were gutted, causing huge financ...