At least 217 shops burnt down in the devastating fire that broke out at Dhaka’s Mohammadpur Krishi Market on early Thursday, said chief executive officer of Dhaka North City Corporation Selim Raza.

‘We allocated space for 317 shops at the market and among these, 217 were damaged by the fire,’ he said while talking to reporters.

‘We have prepared a list of affected shop owners and we will assist them,’ he added.

Meanwhile, deputy commissioner Anisur Rahman, said that a list of affected traders at the market would be prepared and assistance would be provided following the list from the government.

A committee would be formed to look into the fire incident, he said.

The massive fire broke out at the market at about 3:45am and spread soon, said Anwarul Islam, warehouse inspector of Fire Service and Civil Defence Headquarters (Media Cell).

Seventeen firefighting units were working to fully douse the blaze. It was brought under control about 9:30am.