A devastating fire has turned the Sajek tourist center in Rangamati to ashes. The blaze, which started on Monday afternoon, destroyed at least 94 establishments, including resorts, shops, restaurants, and homes.
The fire raged for nearly five hours before being brought under control. Due to the remote location, it took firefighters a long time to reach the area.
The cause of the fire remains unclear, but it is suspected to have started from a gas cylinder explosion in a kitchen, an electrical short circuit, or a cigarette.
While no casualties have been reported, the fire caused significant financial losses for resort and restaurant owners. The exact extent of the damage has not yet been determined.
The incident triggered panic among tourists staying in Sajek, who were later safely transported to Khagrachhari.
According to local sources, the fire reportedly originated from the Eco Valley Resort in Sajek Union of Baghaichhari and quickly spread to nearby resorts, shops, and homes.
Despite efforts from the army, police, and locals to control the blaze, they were unsuccessful initially. With no fire service unit in Baghaichhari, 11 units from Khagrachhari Sadar, Panchhari, and Dighinala rushed to the scene, taking nearly two and a half hours to reach the site. The fire was brought under control by 5 PM.
Indrajit Chakma, owner of Sajek Hill View Resort, stated that locals tried to extinguish the fire as soon as it started, with support from the army and police later on. It took over two hours for the fire service to arrive from Dighinala.
Subarna Dev Barman, president of the Sajek Resort-Cottage Owners Association, confirmed that the fire destroyed 32 resorts, 35 homes, 20 shops, and 7 restaurants, leaving nothing salvageable.
Local business owners suspect a cigarette sparked the fire, though Assistant Commissioner Imtiaz Yasin later stated in a press release that an electrical short circuit was the cause. The fire burned through one side of the tourist center.
Mohammad Zaker Hossain, Deputy Director of Khagrachhari Fire Service and Civil Defense, said that while the fire was controlled by 5 PM, water was sprayed around the area to prevent further spread.
Given Sajek’s hilltop location, accessing water was a significant challenge. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Baghaichhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shirin Akter also suspects the fire originated from a short circuit.
District Commissioner Mohammad Habib Ullah has requested that tourist entry to Sajek be temporarily suspended. A list of damages will be prepared, and assistance will be provided to the affected individuals.