One year after the Jaber Hotel International fire killed at least 24 people amid the political turmoil of 5 August 2024, a new investigation has found that more than 100 multi-story buildings in Jashore town remain “extremely risky” for fire incidents, with critical safety lapses and official negligence persisting.
The blaze at the hotel located at the town’s Chitra Mor, owned by former ruling party lawmaker Shahin Chakladar, exposed a fatal disregard for building codes, including no fire extinguishers, no emergency exits, and no access for firefighting crews.
Government records and a ground investigation now confirm that systemic failures continue.
Official lists identify over 100 “extremely risky” residential, commercial, and hospital buildings across the town. At Mariam Tower, a ten-story structure on Umesh Chandra Lane, fire extinguishers on each floor were found expired since 2025.
Fire exit staircases are noncompliant, and the first three floors—designated residential, are illegally used for a printing press and furniture showroom.
The danger extends to major commercial hubs. Traders in Boro Bazar, Hatchenni Road, and Alupatti report frequent fire incidents, worsened by unplanned construction, narrow access roads, and severe water shortages.
Shop owner Sanowar Hossain said that despite the nearby Bhairab River, collecting water is “difficult,” and the town’s lone pond, Lal Dighi, is an inadequate source for the Fire Service.
Survivors and activists warn of an imminent, larger catastrophe. “If the Jaber Hotel had been built according to law, we wouldn’t have seen so many deaths,” said Rashed Khan, former convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who witnessed the 2024 tragedy. “Many buildings in this town are ticking time bombs, ”he added.
Milon Sheikh of the Jubo Odhikar Parishad blamed a complete lack of oversight. “No one thinks about safety. There are no safe exits, no proper road access for fire trucks, and no major water sources. The municipality has no supervision. Everyone builds as they wish, using influence or bribes.”
Municipal authorities admit being overwhelmed. Jashore Municipal Chief Executive Officer Syed Morad Ali cited a severe manpower shortage; only one urban planner and one executive engineer monitor a municipality the size of a city corporation.
He said enforcement drives cannot proceed without ministry permission, which has not been granted for unknown reasons despite several letters.
The Jashore Fire Service reported 30 fire incidents in Sadar Upazila this year alone, causing over Tk51 lakh in damages.
Senior Station Officer Md Firoz Ahmed confirmed the operational nightmare, “Water shortage is the biggest problem. Combined with narrow, congested roads, controlling fires and conducting rescues is extremely difficult.”
Citizen leaders condemned municipal inaction. “The municipality has a duty to check building plans and Fire Service approvals,” said Jillur Rahman Vitu of the Municipal Citizen Committee. “They are doing nothing. Rules are often ‘overlooked’ through underhanded transactions. Without strict law enforcement and an end to corruption, this problem will never be solved.”
As the anniversary of the Jaber tragedy passes, Jashore remains a town on edge—where a single spark could turn scores of buildings into death traps, and officials appear powerless or unwilling to act.
