Risky Inani Resort Continued Operations Despite Warnings; No Fire Safety Certificate

PNN News Desk | Cox’s Bazar

Serious questions have emerged over the fire safety arrangements at Tuptup Restu and Resort following a devastating fire that killed 10 people in the Patuyartek area of Inani, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. The Fire Service and Civil Defence Department has said that the resort did not have the required fire safety certificate. Although the establishment had been identified as a fire hazard and warned following an inspection in June, its operations were not suspended.

The information was disclosed on Saturday (October 17) by Brigadier General Sultanul Afreen Junaid, Director General of the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department, at a press conference on fire safety during the Sharadiya Durga Puja celebrations. The event was held at the department’s headquarters at around 12:30 pm.

He said the resort had been inspected in June, when the authorities concerned were warned about its fire risks. A notice was also issued to the establishment. However, the resort continued operating despite the warning.

The Fire Service Director General said the three-storey resort was made of wood. The ground floor housed a restaurant where food was prepared, while the upper two floors were used to accommodate tourists. The absence of the required fire safety certificate at the wooden building has raised serious questions about the adequacy of its safety arrangements.

Describing the timing of the fire and the subsequent rescue operation, he said the Fire Service received information about the blaze at around 7:30 am on Saturday. The nearest fire station was approximately 22 kilometres from the scene. After receiving the report, firefighters arrived at the location and began working to bring the fire under control. The blaze was subsequently extinguished completely. Ten bodies were recovered from the scene.

The Director General also expressed concern over the approval and safety arrangements of resorts made of wood and other flammable materials in Cox’s Bazar and various tourist destinations across the country. He said many establishments were operating without the necessary permissions. Initiatives would be taken to issue notices and undertake other necessary measures against such establishments after discussions with the relevant authorities.

He also emphasised the importance of raising awareness among resort owners and tourism businesses about fire safety through the Cox’s Bazar Development Authority and the relevant associations.

Asked about the cause of the fire at Tuptup Resort, Sultanul Afreen said it would be inappropriate to make speculative statements before the investigation was completed. The actual cause of the fire could be established only after a detailed investigation, he added.

Responding to questions about how an establishment could continue operating even after being identified as hazardous, and whether similar risks existed at other resorts across the country, the Director General said the Fire Service would review the steps it could take to prevent such accidents. Initiatives would be considered to ensure fire safety despite limitations in existing laws and monitoring mechanisms.

Regarding repeated fires in Old Dhaka, unauthorised factories and warehouses, and the risks posed by explosive materials, he said narrow roads in densely populated areas and the lack of adequate space between buildings posed major obstacles to firefighting operations. These conditions make it difficult for Fire Service vehicles and essential equipment to reach the scene quickly after a fire breaks out.

He further stressed that it was essential to comply with existing regulations and building codes when constructing buildings. However, ensuring all necessary fire safety measures at once in old settlements and structures was difficult and would require time. Meanwhile, the relevant authorities were regularly raising awareness among stakeholders to ensure that new buildings and business establishments were constructed in accordance with the rules.

The Fire Service Director General also outlined alternative measures to improve firefighting operations in densely populated areas. He said plans were being considered to use specially designed three-wheeled vehicles to reach fire scenes quickly through narrow roads.

In addition, the department was examining the possibility of transporting fire hoses on motorcycles so that firefighters could reach affected areas quickly and extinguish fires by connecting the hoses to water reservoirs in nearby buildings.

Alongside the loss of lives in the Inani resort fire, the incident has once again brought the issue of ensuring fire safety at tourist destinations into focus. It has also raised questions about taking action against establishments operating without the necessary approvals and maintaining regular surveillance of structures identified as hazardous.