Six Family Members, Including Students of DU, JnU and EWU, Killed

Six members of the same family, including students of Dhaka University, Jagannath University and East West University, were killed in a fire at a resort in Inani, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on Saturday morning.

The deceased include Nafiz Tehami, a student of Dhaka University’s Department of Chinese Language and Culture; Layla Jahan Nabila of Jagannath University; and Melita Mehezabin Alvi of East West University. Nine family members had visited the resort. The fire broke out at around 7am on October 17.

The other victims were identified as Maliha, Mila, Sabrin and child Faizan Ahmed. Nafiz, whose nickname was Zaif, Nabila, Maliha and Alvi were cousins. Fariha Kabir was Nafiz’s elder sister, while Faizan was his nephew.

Syed Mohammad Morshed Hossain, deputy assistant director of Cox’s Bazar Fire Service, said they received information about the fire at around 7:23am. Firefighters reached the scene at around 8am and began extinguishing the blaze. The fire was brought under control at around 8:15am.

Ukhiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Panna Akter said rescue operations were underway and six injured people had so far been taken to hospital.

DU, Jagannath University mourn students’ deaths

In a Facebook post, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice-President Sadik Kayem said he had confirmed the deaths after speaking with the Cox’s Bazar Fire Service.

“Six members of the family of Nafiz Tehami, a fifth-batch student of Dhaka University’s Department of Chinese Language and Culture, have died in the devastating resort fire in Cox’s Bazar. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” he wrote.

Describing the incident as tragic and heartbreaking, he said the entire Dhaka University community was deeply saddened by the deaths.

According to the latest information he cited, 10 tourists had died in the incident, while several others were receiving hospital treatment for serious injuries. He called on the authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure advanced medical care for the critically injured.

In a statement, Jagannath University said Layla Jahan Nabila, a 15th-batch student of its Department of Chemistry, died in the fire on Saturday.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Rais Uddin and Treasurer Professor Dr Sabina Sharmeen expressed profound grief over her untimely death.

In a condolence message, they prayed for the salvation of the deceased’s soul and conveyed their deepest sympathies to the bereaved family. They also wished the family patience and mental strength to cope with the irreparable loss.

Earlier, the Fire Service said at least 10 bodies had been recovered from the fire at Tuptup Resto and Resort in Inani. Six injured people had been taken to hospital, and rescue operations were continuing.

The resort is located beside the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Marine Drive road, around 40 kilometres from Cox’s Bazar town. Talha Bin Jasim, an official at the Fire Service media cell, confirmed the recovery of the bodies.