Md. Osman Gani , Upazila Correspondent, Chandina || Two homesteads were gutted in a devastating fire in Chandina, Cumilla. The affected family members claim that damages including gold ornaments, cash, furniture, and important documents amount to approximately BDT 2.5 million.The incident occurred around 8:30 PM on Monday (September 28) at the residence of Gazi Meraj Hasan Siyam in the Kuduti Barabari area of Jowag Union under the upazila.According to locals, the fire is initially suspected to have originated from an electric stove, after which the flames quickly spread to the surroundings. Spotting the fire, locals rushed to the scene and attempted to extinguish it. Although the fire was brought under control after a long effort, Siyam's two living houses were completely burned down in the meantime.The victims stated that gold ornaments, cash, furniture, an IELTS certificate, and various important documents inside the house were burned to ashes. Their preliminary estimate puts the losses at around BDT 2.5 million.Gazi Meraj Hasan Siyam said, "I was outside the house at the time. Later, my sister called to inform me about the fire. I rushed home and tried to put out the fire with the help of locals. However, I couldn't salvage any of the gold ornaments, cash, urgent documents, or furniture inside the house. I completed my IELTS with the intention of going abroad. That certificate and all other important documents have been burned."Eyewitness Gias Uddin Kانون said, "Suddenly we noticed the fire. Hearing shouts and commotion, locals came forward and tried to extinguish it. After a long effort, the fire was brought under control. By that time, Siyam's two homesteads had already burned down."Upon receiving news of the fire, Member of Parliament for Cumilla-7 (Chandina) constituency, Atikul Alam Shawon, visited the scene. He spoke with members of the affected family and assured them of government assistance. Local BNP leaders were present at the time, along with leaders from various other political parties who also visited the site.Chandina Fire Service Station Officer Imam Hossain Patwary said, "As soon as we received the call, we set off for the location. Halfway there, we were informed over the phone that the fire had been brought under control and our presence was no longer required. Consequently, we did not proceed to the spot."However, the exact cause of the fire and the definitive extent of the damages will be confirmed following an investigation by the relevant authorities.