Fire at Cox’s Bazar Resort Kills Ten Tourists, Including Six from One Family

A fire at the Tuptup Resto and Resort on Patuartek Beach in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, killed at least ten tourists on the morning of October 17, 2026. Six of the dead belonged to one family from Dhaka who had arrived for a short holiday and were due to return that day. Five women and a five-year-old boy are among those identified so far. Nine people were injured and taken to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital.

The blaze began around 7:25–7:30 a.m. in the three-storey structure built mainly of bamboo and wood. It spread rapidly through the rooms. Three fire engines from the Fire Service and Civil Defence arrived and brought the fire under control after roughly two hours. Bodies were recovered from inside the resort. Visual identification was impossible for several victims; DNA testing will be required. Police later arrested the resort manager, Mohammad Sumon.

Identified victims include Israt Jahan Maliha, 30, and Milita Mehezabin Alvi, 23, from Banasree, Dhaka; Laila Jahan Nabila, 27, and Nafista Mim, 27, from Khilgaon; Fariha Kabir, 33, from Chuadanga; and five-year-old Faizan Ahmed. One relative, Ashikul Islam, survived by jumping from an upper floor. Other family members who had gone to the beach returned to find the building in flames. Fire officials said the resort had no government approval for construction and lacked proper fire safety measures. An LPG cylinder in the restaurant is one possible source under investigation.

Cox’s Bazar is Bangladesh’s largest tourist destination. Wooden and bamboo resorts line stretches of the Marine Drive. Deputy Assistant Director Syed Mohammad Morshed Hossain of the local fire service confirmed the death toll and noted that approximately 18–19 guests plus staff were present. The owners of the resort have not been located. A case is being prepared.

Relatives of the Dhaka family flew to Cox’s Bazar after receiving calls. At the hospital one said five children of his three sisters were among the dead. The incident follows other recent fires at informal tourist facilities in the region where safety standards have been cited as inadequate. Authorities have not yet released a final cause or full casualty list.