A deadly fire at Tup Tup Resto & Resort in Inani, Cox’s Bazar, has brought attention to the risks posed by unregulated resorts proliferating along Marine Drive. The blaze, which occurred on Saturday, exposed the use of highly flammable construction materials and insufficient fire safety measures in many establishments branding themselves as eco-resorts.

According to Dolon Acharya, senior station officer at Cox’s Bazar Fire Service, the Tup Tup resort was built with concrete pillars but featured wooden floors, walls, staircases, as well as bamboo and timber components. These materials did not meet fire safety standards, and inadequate escape routes contributed to the high casualty count. Several guests were trapped, unable to evacuate safely.

The fire service has noted that numerous other resorts and hotels along the 80-kilometer Marine Drive share similar vulnerabilities. Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, a fire station warehouse inspector, criticized the concept of three-story eco-resorts, stating that true eco-resorts should be single-story with ample open spaces and proper fire safety systems. Despite the rapid growth of these establishments, government authorities lack a comprehensive list or accurate count of how many operate without formal approval.

Mohammad Jasim Uddin, chairman of the Cox’s Bazar Development Authority (CoxDA), estimated that about 2,500 temporary and permanent structures exist along Marine Drive, with 200 to 250 considered permanent. He noted that a 2013 master plan prohibits building hotels or resorts within 300 meters of the shoreline inside municipal boundaries and 500 meters beyond them. No such projects have been officially approved along Marine Drive, although many have been constructed regardless.

CoxDA mandates that eco-resorts have sufficient open space, firefighting equipment compliant with regulations, and water sources linked to hydrant lines. Construction materials must comply with fire safety codes, and approvals require clearances beyond the authority of CoxDA alone. Uddin said the agency plans to crack down on illegal structures operating under the eco-resort label.

The fire service has issued fire safety notices to approximately 500 hotels and residential establishments, but detailed records distinguishing hotels, resorts, and eco-resorts are unavailable. Of 53 applicants for fire safety licenses this year, 23 have been approved while around 30 remain under review. Enforcement has weakened in recent years; only a few entities have been fined for violations. The Tup Tup resort had previously received a warning notice but faced no further penalties.

Mokim Khan, general secretary of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel Owners Association and Marine Drive Hotel Owners Association, said around 40 businesses identify as eco-resorts, many constructed with bamboo, timber, or a combination of wood and concrete, often on leased or purchased land without proper permits. Khan noted that his associations require trade licenses, fire safety certificates, and proof of land ownership for membership, but many eco-resorts operate independently without affiliation.

Search efforts resumed Sunday at the Tup Tup fire site, with local authorities confirming 11 people remain missing out of 10 unidentified bodies recovered. Initial reports listed 13 missing, but two individuals—Jihad Hawladar and Abedul Islam—may have escaped, though their whereabouts are unconfirmed. Ukhiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer Panna Akter said DNA tests are underway in Dhaka to clarify discrepancies. District administration officials are collecting lists of missing persons from families and plan to return bodies following identification.

Among the missing are six members of one extended family and four from another, including two young children. The probe committee formed by the district administration visited the site, interviewed witnesses, and reviewed documents pertaining to the resort’s registration and safety compliance. The five-member team has five days to submit its findings, focusing on causes of the fire, potential negligence, and structural issues.

Police filed a case naming 23 individuals in connection with the fire, identifying resort owner Mohammad Tanvir as the primary accused. Co-owner Newaz Morshed and resort manager Zahidul Islam Sumon were also implicated, with Sumon detained at the scene and later arrested.

Six victims were hospitalized in Cox’s Bazar; four were later transferred to Dhaka for specialized care. Two patients returned to Dhaka voluntarily following initial treatment. The incident has raised serious concerns over the safety and regulation of numerous unlicensed resorts along Cox’s Bazar’s Marine Drive.