Inani, Bangladesh — A devastating fire swept through a wooden resort on the Bay of Bengal early Saturday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 individuals, including five members of one family. The blaze at Tuptup Resto and Resort broke out around 7 a.m., catching many guests unaware as they slept in their rooms.
Among the deceased have been provisionally identified as Israt Jahan, 30, and Milita Mehezabin, 23, both from Dhaka; Laila Jahan, 27, and Nafista Mim, 27, from Khilgaon; Fariha Kabir, 33, from Chuadanga; and five-year-old Faizan Ahmed. The identities of the remaining four victims, which include two women, a child, and a man, have yet to be confirmed by authorities. Investigators are in the process of conducting DNA tests on the recovered bodies, a process that could take several weeks.
According to officials from the Fire Service, the flames were exacerbated by strong coastal winds that spread rapidly through the wooden structure. Eyewitnesses reported that some guests attempted to escape by hiding in washrooms, tragically discovering that they had become traps. Rescuers found four victims in two separate toilets on the second floor. Emergency response teams received the alarm shortly after the fire began, yet firefighters could not fully extinguish the flames until approximately 11 a.m.
Authorities later revealed that the resort had been operating without a proper fire safety license and lacked essential firefighting equipment, such as alarms and extinguishers. The establishment, which was built just seven to eight months prior, had previously been flagged for safety violations by local fire officials. The Cox’s Bazar Development Authority issued several notices since the start of the year, demanding that the resort cease operations, but it continued to welcome guests.
Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner A Mannan indicated that investigators suspect the fire may have started at the kitchen, although they have yet to confirm the cause. A committee has been formed to probe the incident while ensuring that accountability is upheld. Meanwhile, police have filed charges against 23 individuals related to the operation of the resort, identifying its owner, Md Tanvir, as a key suspect. The resort’s manager was arrested at the scene, while the owner remains at large as the investigation unfolds.
Despite repeated warnings, operations at the resort continued unchecked, raising concerns about the enforcement of safety regulations in the region. According to officials, nearly 400 of the 600 commercial businesses in the Cox’s Bazar district operate without the necessary fire licenses. This fire incident has spotlighted the pervasive disregard for safety protocols in an area popular with tourists.
Local authorities and community members expressed outrage over the incident, with many calling for more rigorous enforcement of safety regulations to prevent future tragedies. The investigation into the fire is ongoing, and further legal actions may follow as more information becomes available.