Abdur Rahman, a freedom fighter and night guard of the market, died in the blaze that started shortly after midnight and engulfed the market and adjacent medicines shops.

Shops selling cloths, readymade garments, medicines, electronic goods and toiletries were reduced to ashes, causing an estimated loss of Tk four crore.

An electrical short circuit sparked off the fire, witnesses said.

Abdur Rahman was trapped inside the market during the blaze. He was charred beyond recognition.

Fire fighters from Mathbaria, Vandaria, Jhalakati, and Pirojpur brought the blaze under control after a three-hour struggle with the help of the local people.

Freedom fighter Abdur Rahman was a commander during the liberation war.

He was buried at his family graveyard at village Badura with state honour on Wednesday afternoon.

The local association of businessmen has declared a three-day mourning at Mathbaria from Thursday.