TupTup Resort manager detained after deadly fire in Cox’s Bazar

Police have detained Mohammad Sumon, manager of TupTup Restaurant and Resort in Patuartek, Inani, Cox’s Bazar, following a fire that killed 10 people.

He was detained at the scene at around 3:30 PM on Saturday, October 17, said Ukhiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Atikur Rahman Majumder.

The officer said Sumon had been taken to the police station for further questioning. More details would be provided later.

The fire broke out at around 7:00 AM on Saturday at the resort near Patuartek Beach along Marine Drive. At least six people were also injured.

Three Fire Service units began working to extinguish the blaze at around 8:00 AM and brought it under control at about 10:00 AM.

At a press briefing in Dhaka, newly appointed Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General Brigadier General Sultanul Afreen said the resort did not have a fire service licence. The authorities had previously warned the resort management about the issue, but no licence was obtained.

Cox’s Bazar Development Authority Chairman Mohammad Jasim Uddin also confirmed that the resort had not obtained permission from the authority for its construction.

ASU/ sks