Photo: Courtesy
A tragic and dangerous fire incident occurred in a warehouse of S. Alam Refined Sugar Mill in Karnaphuli Upazila of Chattogram on Monday (4 March). Immediate efforts by the Fire Service, Navy, and Air Force, along with the administration, successfully brought the fire under control. Fortunately, there were no casualties. However, around 100,000 tons of unrefined sugar were destroyed in the fire.
There are concerns among the public about the potential impact of this tragic fire on the sugar market, especially with Ramadan approaching. However, S. Alam Group has assured that they already have refined sugar in their inventory to meet market demand adequately. Fortunately, the other 3-4 warehouses nearby were not affected by the fire. Approximately 600,000 to 700,000 tons of unrefined sugar are still stored there. Therefore, there is no fear of a prolonged crisis in the sugar market.
Akhtar Hasan, General Manager, S. Alam Group, stated, "We are actively striving to resume operations at the S. Alam Refined Sugar Mill. We are confident that the aftermath of the fire incident will not precipitate an extended crisis, given our substantial sugar inventory in our warehouses. Despite the fire, we anticipate almost no market disruption due to the ample supply at hand."
"Some immoral traders may try to take advantage of this situation. However, we have enough sugar in stock to meet market demand. We are confident that the situation will subside in the next few days,” he added.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. In response, a seven-member committee led by an additional District Magistrate has been formed by the district administration to investigate the incident. The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments has also expressed concern over whether this incident was an act of sabotage.
Messenger/Mumu
