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In Dhanmondi alone, at least four buildings hosting multiple buffet restaurants had no visible emergency exits. Some had only hidden staircases or inaccessible fire extinguishers, while many relied solely on lift access, with no clear escape routes.

Dr Adil Mohammed Khan, president of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, condemned the ongoing negligence.

“Fire incidents spur temporary action, but long-term enforcement is absent. Many residential buildings now house restaurants without proper safety assessments. This is a collective failure of Rajuk, the city corporations, the fire service, and other authorities.”

Lt Col Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, director of fire service (operations and maintenance), said, “Our observations indicate that most restaurants, particularly in high-rise buildings, do not comply with fire safety regulations. Our field-level investigation is actively gathering information and evidence on these violations. Simultaneously, we are working to initiate mobile court operations to enforce fire safety.”

“Since we do not have our own magistrate, we are unable to carry out as many operations as we would like. Nevertheless, we hope to launch mobile court operations soon,” he added.

PROBE YET TO CONCLUDE

A year on, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has yet to complete its probe. Eight people, including restaurant staff, were arrested but are now out on bail.

Officials suggest structural flaws contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, with 95 percent of fire safety regulations violated during construction and operation.

Anichur Rahman, special superintendent (Dhaka metro south) of CID, said, “This is an unprecedented case requiring meticulous examination. Forty-six lives were lost, making it a significant incident. We do not want to make mistakes.”

He said the investigation would be completed soon and pledged an “objective, transparent, and accurate report”.

Fire service reports reveal severe safety lapses, including unauthorised restaurant operations, a lack of emergency exits, and dangerously positioned gas cylinders. The blaze started with an electrical short circuit at the ground-floor tea shop, “Chumuk”.

Prof Kamruzzaman Majumder, who was trapped in the fire with his children, criticised the delay in the investigation. “Even after such a horrific incident, no one has been held responsible. Those who built, approved, and operated this unsafe structure must be brought to justice.”

Meanwhile, Green Cozy Cottage remains in ruins. Once guarded by police, it now stands unprotected, its furnishings looted. To prevent further intrusion, the building’s owners have erected tin barriers and deployed private security personnel.

Dr MA Alim, one of the building’s stakeholders, said legal proceedings had stalled action. “Once we resume operations, we plan to establish a fund from monthly service charges to provide educational scholarships for the children of those who lost their lives,” he said.

For the families of the 46 victims, however, justice remains the ultimate demand.