Resort Fire Sparks Urgent Call for Tourist Safety Measures

AT least 10 tourists have lost their lives in a fire at a resort in Cox’s Bazar on Saturday.

Another nine people, who sustained burn injuries, are now undergoing treatment at a hospital.

The “Tuptup Resto & Resort” located 30 kilometers from Cox’s Bazar town, was built right alongside the Marine Drive road.

According to reports published in various newspapers, a significant portion of the flooring and staircases in the resort’s three-story building was made of bamboo and wood.

Since it situated in a stunning natural setting, flanked by mountains on one side and the blue sea on the other, many would choose this picturesque resort for their vacations. Locals believe that the fire may have originated from a stove in the kitchen.

Although the Fire Service, police, BGB, and local residents managed to extinguish the blaze, all that remains at the site now are piles of charcoal and ash.

Covering a distance of 18 kilometers, the fire service team arrived at the scene around 8 o’clock.

The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze completely after three hours of effort.

Initially, the bodies of six people were recovered. Later, four more bodies were found in two restrooms on the third floor.

Establishments of this nature are required to have adequate fire-extinguishing equipment, fire alarms, hosepipes, and fire safety management systems.

But this resort began operations without any of these in place. The management did not even deem it necessary to obtain a fire safety license.

Meanwhile, the World Economic Forum (WEF) last month released the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI). In this index, Bangladesh ranks 98th out of 110 countries-placing it behind all other South Asian nations. Japan, the United States, and Spain occupy the top three positions.

The question arises: how could such a facility operate as tourist accommodation? Can the authorities responsible for granting permits for the construction of resorts, hotels, and restaurants deny their negligence? How is it possible for a building to remain in operation when it lacks even the most basic fire safety measures?

The tragic death of 10 people in a fire at a private resort in Cox’s Bazar has raised serious questions regarding the safety of tourists in the country.

There are many such resorts across various tourist destinations. It is deeply unfortunate that while resorts are being built one after another for the sake of profit, fire safety measures are being neglected.

The families of the victims should receive appropriate compensation, and those responsible must be brought to justice.