St Martin’s fire losses estimated Tk6 crore, 5-member probe committee formed
“Firefighting systems are virtually absent in all but a few establishments on the island, and there is no government mechanism to control fires,” said Mujibur Rahman, chairman of Saint Martin Union Parishad
Highlights
- The fire caused an estimated Tk6 crore in damages
- A five-member committee, led by the Teknaf UNO, has been formed
- Six locals sustained injuries trying to douse the flames
A devastating fire, which gutted three eco-resorts on Saint Martin's Island earlier today (15 January), caused damages estimated at Tk6 crore.
"Firefighting systems are virtually absent in all but a few establishments on the island, and there is no government mechanism to control fires," said Mujibur Rahman, chairman of Saint Martin Union Parishad.
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Major Ishtiaq Ahmed, deputy commander of Teknaf 2 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), said BGB personnel, alongside locals, worked to douse the flames and ensure tourist safety.
"Six locals sustained injuries during the operation and were given first aid," he said.
Sarwar Alam, owner of Kingshuk Eco-Resort, estimated losses of over Tk1.5 crore for his establishment alone.
"Our resort, made of wood and bamboo, caught fire quickly, leaving 15 rooms completely burnt," said assistant director of Kingshuk Eco-Resort Saifuddin Babar.
"We safely evacuated tourists, but the business impact was severe."
Ajit Kumar Das, in charge of Saint Martin's police outpost said the fire originated at Shayari Eco Resort and spread to neighbouring properties.
Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin said a five-member probe committee, led by Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Ehsan Uddin, has been formed to investigate the incident.
"The committee has two days to determine the cause of the fire, assess damages, and provide recommendations," Salahuddin said.
"We will review the findings and discuss fire safety measures with the Fire Service," he added.
Ehsan Uddin said a team has already reached the site, and efforts are underway to find ways to support the affected resort owners. The authorities also plan to engage the Fire Service to address the lack of safety infrastructure.
