A massive fire has broken out in Sajek, a popular tourist destination in Rangamati.
According to locals, the fire started around 1pm on Monday, and quickly spread to several resorts.
According to the latest reports, at least 10 resort cottages, including Sajek Abakash Resort, Eco Valley Resort, Meghchut Resort, Montana Restaurant, and Maruati Restaurant, along with 14 shops, have already been destroyed by the fire.
Baghaichari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shirin Akhter said the fire originated from one of the resorts in Sajek.
She said: "Upon receiving the news, a fire service team from Dighinala set out for the site. Meanwhile, troops from the Baghaichari Army Zone, along with personnel from the 27th and 54th Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) battalions, are making relentless efforts to douse the flames alongside local residents."
Since there is no fire service unit in Sajek, three units from Khagrachhari, Dighinala, and Rangamati Fire Service were dispatched to the scene, according to latest reports.
Rahul Chakma Joy, organizing secretary of the Sajek Resort Cottage Owners' Association, said: “A devastating fire has broken out at the resorts in Sajek.”
He added: “Efforts are underway to bring it under control, but the flames have spread in all directions. It is not possible to determine how many resorts have been affected at this moment.”
Md Shahin, owner of Megh Sojja Resort in Sajek, said: “The fire started near Abakash Resort. However, the cause of the fire is still unknown. Around 30 resorts have been burned down.”
Major Md Abu Nayeem Khandaker, acting zone commander of Baghaichari Zone, said: “The fire in Sajek is still not under control. The exact number of resorts damaged and the extent of losses cannot be determined at this moment.”
Our Rangamati correspondent Bijoy Dhar has contributed to this report
