Sajek fire under control, losses feared to exceed 100C

A massive fire in Sajek, a popular tourist destination in Baghaichari upazila of Rangamati, has been brought under control after nearly four hours, with damage caused by the blaze expected to stand over Tk100 crore according to some estimates.

The fire was tamed at around 5pm on Monday, but by then it had destroyed about 45 resorts, 40 restaurants, and 60 houses, causing losses estimated at over Tk100 crore, according to hotel and motel owners.

Local sources said the fire originated at Sajek Abakash Resort around 1pm, before rapidly spreading to nearby establishments.

Fire service teams from Khagrachhari and Dighinala rushed to the scene, assisted by the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and locals in efforts to contain the flames.

Sajek Union Parishad Secretary Bishwajit Chakraborty said: “Sajek has turned into a pile of ashes, with losses exceeding Tk100 crore. Locals suspect that the fire started due to an electrical short circuit.”

He added that the fire was brought under control after nearly four hours.

Baghaichari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shirin Akhter confirmed the incident but could not verify the exact cause of the fire.

Meanwhile, Khagrachari BGB Sector Commander Colonel Muktakim Ahmed visited the site.

The Rangamati district administration, in a press release, said the fire broke out at Sajek Abakash Manual Resort and adjacent resorts at around 1:15pm on, allegedly due to an electrical short circuit. The flames spread rapidly across the area.

Upon receiving the news, immediate fire containment efforts were initiated, involving the fire service units from Rangamati and Khagrachhari, alongside local volunteers.

The press release addd that the administration also coordinated with the regional commanders of the army in Rangamati and Khagrachari, the zone commander in Bagaihat of Baghaichari, and the deputy commissioner of Khagrachari to take necessary actions.

According to the district administration press release, by 3:45pm, one side of Sajek was almost entirely burned. As of the latest reports at 5pm, the fire was brought under control, though more than 120-140 resorts, homes, and educational institutions had been destroyed. No casualties have been reported so far.

Fire service units from Dighinala and Khagrachari have been working at the site. Through constant communication with the Khagrachhari district administration, a request has been made to temporarily suspend tourist visits to the area.

The fire was finally contained at 5pm with the combined efforts of the upazila administration, local army personnel, Sajek police, the union parishad, and residents, as said in the district administration’s press release.