Why Do Preventable Fires Keep Claiming Lives?

Why do preventable fires continue to claim lives in the country despite repeated warnings and investigations? The deaths of ten people in a resort fire in Cox’s Bazar have once again exposed the authorities’ failure to prevent such tragedies. According to media reports, the victims included six members of one family, university students and a five-year-old child. More disturbing still, the authorities had identified safety hazards at the resort months earlier. Yet, it remained open, leaving guests exposed to dangers that should have been addressed long before the fire.

The Fire Service and Civil Defence inspected the resort in June, declared it hazardous and issued a formal warning. Nevertheless, the resort continued to operate without a valid fire safety licence or administrative clearance. LPG cylinders were also stored beneath the only access route, increasing the danger during an emergency. Adding to these concerns, the nearest fire station was reportedly 22 kilometres away, raising questions about how quickly firefighters could reach the scene. The authorities must explain why the resort continued to receive guests despite its known safety violations and whether emergency services are adequately positioned to protect people in remote tourist areas.

Bangladesh has witnessed similar tragedies for decades. The Nimtoli fire in Old Dhaka killed at least 124 people in 2010, while the Tazreen Fashions factory fire claimed 112 lives in 2012. At least 70 people died in the Chawkbazar fire in 2019, followed by 52 deaths in the Hashem Foods factory fire in Rupganj in 2021. The BM Container Depot fire in Sitakunda killed at least 49 people in 2022, while the Green Cozy Cottage fire on Bailey Road claimed 46 lives in 2024. In October 2025, another 16 people died in a factory fire beside a chemical warehouse in Mirpur. Despite their different settings, these disasters share recurring failures in safety standards, hazardous-material storage, escape routes and regulatory oversight. After so many deaths, why do the same lapses persist?

The government must break this cycle through strict enforcement. Regular, unannounced inspections should identify hazards before they cause disasters. Establishments that violate safety rules must correct them within clear deadlines or face closure, while negligent owners and officials must be held accountable. Businesses must keep escape routes clear and store flammable materials safely. Fire services also need adequate equipment, trained personnel and strategically located stations to respond promptly, particularly in tourist areas far from existing facilities.

The authorities must ensure that every investigation leads to concrete action and lasting reform. They should follow up on reported violations, enforce safety standards consistently and hold those responsible for negligence accountable. We cannot allow commercial interests or administrative indifference to outweigh public safety. People must be able to stay at a resort, work in a factory or visit a commercial building without fearing that basic precautions have been ignored. Only when safety rules are enforced before disaster strikes can we stop families from losing their loved ones to preventable fires.