Khulna Bureau

Prompt and courageous action by members of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) averted a major disaster after a fire broke out at the 132/33 KV Hogladanga Power Grid sub-station in Batiaghata upazila, Khulna on Wednesday morning.

Thanks to the quick thinking, professional skill, and coordinated firefighting efforts of the on-duty security personnel, the blaze was brought under control within a short time, protecting key national power infrastructure from severe damage.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:10 AM on Wednesday when a short circuit triggered a sudden explosion in one of the sub-station's transformers. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the immediate area in thick smoke. Ansar member Mintu Hossain, who was on security duty at the time, spotted the outbreak and immediately alerted Guard Commander (PC) Md. Babul Akter.

Under the leadership of PC Babul Akter, the on-duty Ansar members rushed to the spot with portable fire extinguishers and initiated emergency firefighting operations. Despite the highly hazardous conditions, the team coordinated their efforts and managed to completely extinguish the fire after nearly 40 minutes of intense struggle.

The efficient use of fire extinguishers and the rapid response of the Ansar unit successfully contained the flames, preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent transformers and other critical grid infrastructure. No casualties or major structural damages were reported.

Following the incident, power grid authorities inspected the site and highly praised the Ansar members for their brave, timely, and responsible role in controlling the fire. Officials remarked that the incident once again demonstrated the vigilance, professionalism, and emergency response capabilities of the Bangladesh Ansar and VDP in safeguarding critical national key point installations (KPIs).