A total of 217 out of 317 allotted shops were damaged in the fire that ravaged Mohammadpur Krishi Market early this morning, a Dhaka North City Corporation official said.

Although traders initially claimed that 350 shops were affected by the fire, the actual number is 217, DNCC CEO Selim Reza told The Daily Star.

Offering a possible reason for the discrepancy, Selim said there were illegal shops situated on the sidewalk in front of the market and traders may have included those in their estimate.

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He also said the city corporation had previously instructed the market regarding fire safety measures.

"Our staffers are diligently working on listing the affected traders. Various agencies will extend their support, and the DNCC will stand by them to the best of our ability," the CEO said.

The DNCC will also form a probe committee to investigate the incident, he added.