The Green Cozy Cottage building on Bailey Road in the capital Dhaka housed several restaurants where many people come there for dinner.
But a devastating fire claimed the lives of 46 people that night. The horrifying night of 29 February last year still sends shivers down the spine.
Yet, has the operation of restaurants in high-rise buildings stopped? Statistics suggest otherwise—54% of restaurants across the country, including the capital, are at fire risk. Experts fear that if the situation remains unchanged, another "Bailey Road tragedy" could happen any day.
Take the example of the Imperial Amin Ahmed Centre, a multi-story building on Road 10, Satmasjid Road in Dhanmondi. Originally built as a 13-story office building, it now hosts restaurants from the basement to the 15th floor. Many floors have multiple restaurants.
These establishments offer buffet and upscale dining options, which require high-temperature cooking. To support such cooking, gas cylinders and various electric appliances are being used.
And it’s not just this building. From Dhanmondi, Banani, Uttara, Khilgaon to Mirpur, restaurant businesses are operating under risky conditions in most parts of the capital.
According to the Fire Service, about 54% of restaurants in the country are at risk of fire. However, without a major incident, authorities often remain indifferent.
After the fire at Green Cozy Restaurant on Bailey Road last February 29, various agencies—including RAJUK and the city corporation—conducted drives and sealed off several risky restaurants in areas like the much-discussed Gausia Twin Peak building on Satmasjid Road in Dhanmondi. But those drives faded away soon after.
Recently, considering the risks, the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has cancelled the trade licenses of all rooftop restaurants.
The Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (RAJUK) has also been personally inspecting restaurants across different areas. Beyond that, little effort has been visible from other government bodies.
Experts warn that unless timely actions are taken, more tragedies like the one at Green Cozy on Bailey Road are inevitable.
Sources say that due to a shortage of parks and playgrounds, restaurants, with their glittering interiors, have taken over as popular recreational spaces in Dhaka.
Many of these restaurants, operating without proper licenses, use numerous gas cylinders. Restaurants are being set up in both residential and commercial buildings with little to no safety measures in place.
Every day, these establishments host buffet meals and various events, from weddings to social, cultural, and political gatherings. Cooking continues from morning till midnight. However, there are no safety systems in place to handle the increased foot traffic. By evening, stairways and elevators are packed with people.
Sajedul Haque, a resident of Dhanmondi, said, “Restaurants are everywhere in Dhanmondi—you won’t find a single area without one. Those in residential buildings are the most dangerous. Some even double as community centres. You have to stand in a long line just to use the elevator.”
Shakhawat Hossain, a resident of Khilgaon, said, “You don’t need permission anymore to open a restaurant. Just rent a floor and pay off some officials, and you’re good to go. Earlier, crowds used to gather in the Talta area after sunset. Now, restaurants are packed even in the narrowest alleys.”
Kamrunnahar, a resident of Uttara, said, “There are no recreational spaces in Dhaka. Children want to go out, and we have to take them somewhere. Where else can we go? We are forced to go to restaurants.”
Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan, urban expert and President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), told Desh Rupantor, “A megacity requires mega-level management in every aspect. But in Dhaka, anyone can open a restaurant on any floor as they wish. Many of these are unapproved and therefore risky. Even approved restaurants have become dangerous due to a lack of oversight.”
He added, “There is no proper system for gas cylinders, pipeline connections, electrical wiring, or other equipment. This increases the risk of accidents. Moreover, there are no emergency exit arrangements for quick evacuation in case of disaster. Emergency stairways are often blocked with stored goods.”
In response to a question, he said, “There’s no coordination between the city corporation and RAJUK. If trade licenses were issued only after thoroughly checking the building design and related documents, these problems wouldn’t arise. Coordination between these two and other agencies could solve many issues related to restaurants.”
Md Muniruzzaman, chief revenue officer of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), said, “We conducted a survey and found rooftop restaurants in 45 buildings in the DSCC area, which are risky. These restaurants did not have proper approval, so we cancelled their trade licenses through public notices.”
When asked about other restaurants, he added, “We are working on those too. But currently, it's revenue collection season. If we focus too much on restaurants now, revenue may be disrupted. In July, when trade licenses are up for renewal, we will check all relevant aspects. Our regular activities are ongoing as well.”
RAJUK Chairman Engineer Riazul Haque said, “Operating restaurants in violation of building design can lead to fire and other disasters. Risky buildings will be inspected and action taken as per the law. All agencies will work together toward this goal. Buildings violating design codes will have their electricity and water connections cut.”
He also said, “RAJUK is taking a strict stance against unauthorised and risky restaurants in areas like Dhanmondi’s Satmasjid Road and elsewhere in Dhaka. We will work with all agencies to build a livable Dhaka and reduce disaster risks.”
DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz also announced a crackdown on illegal and risky restaurants.
Out of 800,000 restaurants, only 128 are legal
According to a 2021 survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on the hotel and restaurant sector, the country had 436,274 hotels and restaurants. This number has increased significantly in the past four years. According to the Restaurant Owners Association, there are over 100,000 restaurants in Dhaka alone. However, only 128 have official approval, according to a source from the District Commissioner’s office.
A restaurant owner from Motijheel, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Desh Rupantor, “The approval process is very complicated, which is why most people can’t obtain all the necessary permissions. Besides, no agency gives clearance without bribes, and the bribe amounts are huge.”
A complicated registration process
To open a restaurant, one must first register and then obtain a license from the District Commissioner. In addition, approvals must be secured from the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, Fire Service and Civil Defence, the Department of Environment, City Corporation, and the Civil Surgeon’s Office.
If bottled or packaged food like yogurt or borhani is sold, BSTI approval is also required. During the building’s construction, the purpose of the space must be declared to RAJUK, from which an occupancy certificate must be obtained. To register a restaurant with the District Commissioner’s office, at least eight different documents must be submitted. The required documents differ depending on whether the property is owned or rented.
Imran Hasan, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association, said, “Because of this lengthy approval process, entrepreneurs face constant harassment. If the process were simplified, it would benefit business owners.”
“Despite this, many young entrepreneurs are entering the restaurant business to pursue their dreams, and this sector is playing a positive role in the country’s economy,” he added.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
