Samples collected from the bodies of 10 people killed in a devastating fire at Tuptup Resort in Patwartek, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, have been sent to Dhaka for DNA testing to establish their identities.
The samples were collected from the bodies kept at the morgue of Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital and handed over to police for testing at the Criminal Investigation Department’s forensic DNA laboratory in Malibagh, Dhaka.
Meanwhile, police have filed a case against 23 people over the deaths, naming resort owner Tanvir Ahmed, also known as Tanvir Sultan Mia, as the prime accused.
His business partner Niaz Morshed and resort manager Mohammad Sumon are among the four people named in the case.
Police have accused 23 people in total, including unidentified suspects. Police have arrested one person in connection with the incident.
Hospital sources said the bodies were too badly burned to allow immediate identification.
Samples collected from the deceased will be compared with blood or buccal swab samples from their relatives to establish their identities.
A decision on handing over the bodies to families will be made after the test results are received.
Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital residential medical officer Dr Subuktogin Mahmud Sohel said DNA test results could take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
The bodies would remain in the hospital morgue until their identities were confirmed. Sources said the entire process could take one to two weeks.
Relatives of the victims have been waiting outside the hospital morgue to receive their loved ones’ bodies.
They have called for the DNA tests to be completed quickly so the bodies can be handed over without delay.
They have also demanded a modern DNA testing laboratory in Cox’s Bazar.
Meanwhile, a five-member investigation committee formed by the district administration and headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner Tasnim Jahan has visited the site.
The authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and whether negligence contributed to the disaster.
The fire broke out at the restaurant of Tuptup Resort, beside Marine Drive in Patwartek, Inani, on the morning of October 17, killing 10 people, including members of the same family.
The tragedy has raised fresh questions about tourist safety and fire protection measures at resorts.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
