Four-storey resort demolished over unauthorised construction in Cox's Bazar

Around 2,500 structures built along Marine Drive despite restrictions, says Cox's Bazar Development Authority

Authorities today demolished a four-storey resort building in Ukhiya's Inani as part of a joint drive against unauthorised hotels and resorts along Cox’s Bazar’s Marine Drive.

The demolition comes days after a fire at the three-storey TupTup Resort near Patuartek beach killed 10 tourists on October 17.

Led by the Cox’s Bazar Development Authority (CoxDA), the drive began this afternoon, with officials from the district administration, police, SRB, Fire Service, Department of Environment and Ansar.

An excavator arrived around 11:00am. Workers first demolished 10-12 ground-floor shops and those along the building’s two sides, then broke the glass fittings and began demolishing the main structure’s pillars.

CoxDA Secretary Sanjida Begum said the owner had received four notices to demolish the unauthorised building but had taken no effective steps. She said the structure had been built in violation of applicable laws and regulations.

However, owner Shahidul Haque claimed he began construction in 2014 after obtaining permission from the union parishad. He claimed that at least Tk 6cr was spent on the project.

The ground floor was intended for shops, the second for a restaurant, and the third and fourth for tourist accommodation. He had planned to inaugurate the resort soon.

Shahidul said he had replied to all four notices and possessed the necessary documents, but alleged that the authorities were ignoring them.

CoxDA Chairman Engineer Mohammad Jasim Uddin said numerous resorts, cottages and restaurants had been built along both sides of the 80-km Marine Drive, many without the required approvals. The joint drive was launched after unauthorised structures remained despite repeated notices, he said, adding that illegal establishments would not be allowed to remain.

Since CoxDA was established in 2016, around 1,700 building plans have been approved across Cox’s Bazar district, including the municipality area, Jasim Uddin said.

Despite restrictions on infrastructure development along Marine Drive, around 2,500 structures have been built there, including more than 200 hotels, resorts, and cottages. Apart from a few star-rated establishments, most lacked valid approvals, he added.