The TupTup Resto & Resort on Patuartek beach in Inani, Cox’s Bazar, did not have a fire safety licence, Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General Brig Gen Sultanul Afrain Zunaid has said.
He said the resort had been inspected in June, when it was identified as a fire risk and issued a warning and notice. Despite this, the resort continued operating.
The director general made the remarks on Saturday in response to a question from journalists at a press briefing on fire safety during the Sharodiya Durga Puja.
At least 10 tourists died in a fire that gutted the resort in Inani on Saturday morning. The fire broke out around 7am.
While briefing around 12:15pm, DG Zunaid said, the three-storey wooden resort had a restaurant on the ground floor, where food was prepared, while the second and third floors accommodated tourists. It did not have the necessary certification required by the Fire Service, he added.
Responding to questions about the safety and approval of resorts built with wood and other flammable materials in Cox’s Bazar and other tourist areas across the country, DG Zunaid said many had not obtained the necessary permits.
He added that steps would be taken to issue notices to the establishments concerned after discussions with the relevant parties. He also stressed the need to communicate safety messages through the Cox’s Bazar Development Authority and relevant associations.
Noting that the risk of such accidents could increase during the dry season, he said the relevant parties need to remain alert.
Asked about the cause of the fire at the resort, he said it would not be appropriate to determine the cause based on speculation. The cause would only be established after a thorough investigation, he added.
The Fire Service would review the steps it could take to prevent such accidents. Initiatives would also be taken to ensure safety despite limitations in existing laws and monitoring mechanisms, he further said.
Responding to questions about frequent fires in Old Dhaka, unauthorised factories and warehouses, and the risks posed by explosive materials, the top official said one of the Fire Service’s biggest challenges was the narrow roads in densely populated areas and the lack of adequate space between buildings. These conditions made it difficult for firefighting vehicles and equipment to reach incident sites quickly.
He also said it was essential to follow the relevant regulations and building codes when constructing buildings. However, ensuring all necessary safety measures at once in old settlements and existing structures was practically difficult and would require time.
Fire Service DG Zunaid added that the relevant authorities were repeatedly raising awareness among those involved in the construction of new buildings and business establishments about the need to comply with the rules.
He also outlined plans to strengthen the Fire Service’s capabilities and said the department was considering using specialised three-wheeled vehicles to reach densely populated areas.
The department was also exploring whether firefighters could carry hoses on motorcycles and connect them to water reservoirs in nearby buildings to help extinguish fires.
