Rajuk shuts Nawabi Bhoj, Sultan’s Dine amid safety drive
Staff Reporter :
Following the tragic fire incident that claimed the lives of 46 people at a restaurant on Bailey Road in the capital, government law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies, including the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) and Dhaka City Corporations, have intensified their efforts to address fire safety negligence and irregularities in various unauthorised restaurants across the city.
In a recent crackdown on building safety, Rajuk took decisive action by sealing off two restaurants, Sultan’s Dine and Nawabi Bhoj.
The establishments, located near the site of the devastating fire on February 29, were targeted due to potential safety violations, as explained by Muhammad Salman Farsi, assistant commissioner of the Ramna zone.
Rajuk Executive Magistrate Monir Hussain spearheaded the raid, during which officials discovered that the management of Sultan’s Dine failed to produce the necessary documents despite claiming to possess them.
Rajuk officials have indicated that further actions will be taken once the requisite paperwork is provided by the restaurant’s management.
The crackdown commenced around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, prompting employees of Nawabi Bhoj to shut down the restaurant and vacate the premises.
Subsequently, Rajuk sealed off Nawabi Bhoj and levied a fine of Tk2 lakh on Capital Siraj Centre for failing to update its fire clearance.
Sarfuddin, director of Capital Siraj Centre, defended the establishment, asserting that everything was up to date except for the pending fire clearance. Additionally, Swiss Bakery incurred fines for non-compliance with fire safety regulations.
In a separate development, it was observed that owners of certain establishments had temporarily shuttered their restaurants, displaying banners proclaiming, “For the development works of the restaurant, this establishment has temporarily closed.”
Five such establishments were identified, and despite efforts by the executive magistrate team to conduct inspections, access was denied.
At the same time, the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), in collaboration with the fire service, launched an initiative in the Khilgaon area to inspect high-risk buildings and enforce safety measures.
As part of this initiative, over a hundred restaurants in Khilgaon voluntarily ceased operations at the behest of their owners.
It was also known that the executive magistrate of Dhaka South City initiated a drive in a multi-story building, resulting in the closure of all restaurants due to identified risks.
In another incident, a multi-story building located at 589/C Malibagh Chowdhurypara, housing five restaurants, including ‘Kacchi Bhai’ and ‘Siraj Chuigosth,’ was sealed off after the magistrate and fire service personnel discovered a banner declaring temporary closure for restaurant development.
Despite efforts, the administrative magistrate was unable to inspect the building due to a locked main gate.
Executive Magistrate Jahangir Alam clarified that inspections should be conducted during office hours, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., emphasising the urgency of addressing potential safety concerns.
Additionally, authorities also conducted a campaign in Dhanmondi until 7 p.m. on Monday.
