Cox’s Bazar’s Tuptup resort was warned of fire risk in June: Fire Service DG

The Tuptup Resto & Resort in Patuartek in the Inani Beach area of Cox’s Bazar, which was gutted in a fire on Saturday morning, had been operating without a fire service licence despite being issued notices and warnings, Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defence Brigadier General Sultanul Afreen Junaid has said.

“Last June, the fire service inspected the resort and issued a notice identifying it as highly risky. However, they continued operations in violation of regulations, ignoring the notice and warnings,” he said at a press briefing on fire safety ahead of Sharadiya Durga Puja at the Fire Service headquarters.

He added that the resort, which was a wooden structure, had a restaurant on the ground floor, where food was prepared, while the second and third floors accommodated tourists. This substantially increased the fire risk.

At least 10 people, including five women and a child, were killed in the fire. Several people were injured, while nine others were safely evacuated from the resort.

Regarding the incident, the director general said the fire service received information at around 7:30am. The nearest fire station was approximately 22km from the site.

Fire service personnel reached the scene promptly and began operations, bringing the fire completely under control, he said.

Asked about the cause of the fire, he said, “It would not be appropriate to state the cause of the fire based on assumptions. The actual cause can only be determined after a thorough investigation.”

Steps to increase monitoring at tourist destinations

Speaking about risky resorts made of wood and other flammable materials in Cox’s Bazar and other tourist areas across the country, the DG said many resorts were being operated without the necessary permissions.

“Despite limitations in existing laws and monitoring, we will review the measures that can be taken to prevent accidents. Initiatives are being taken to convey notices and safety messages through the Cox’s Bazar Development Authority and relevant associations,” he said.

He urged all concerned to remain vigilant, noting that the risk of such accidents could increase during the upcoming dry season.

At the press briefing, the fire service outlined various measures taken to ensure the safety of members of the Hindu community during the upcoming Sharadiya Durga Puja.

The DG said all 538 operational fire stations across the country would remain fully alert and on standby throughout the Puja celebrations. Fire Service personnel would monitor fire safety at Puja mandaps in their respective areas, advise on mitigating risks and maintain regular communication with local administrations and Puja committees.

The contact details of the nearest fire station and the emergency hotline number 102 are being publicised at the mandaps for emergency assistance. Temporary fire stations deployed at various key locations would also remain on high alert.