CID Files Charges Over Bailey Road Fire Tragedy

A major development has emerged in the investigation into the devastating fire at a commercial building on Bailey Road in Dhaka, with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) submitting a formal charge sheet against 22 individuals in connection with the incident. The blaze at the Green Cozy Cottage building claimed dozens of lives and triggered widespread national outrage over safety standards in commercial establishments.

The charge sheet was filed on Thursday (2 April) before the relevant court by investigating officer and CID Inspector Shah Jalal Munshi. According to the submission, the accused include owners, managers, and stakeholders of various restaurants and commercial outlets operating within the building.

In addition to the 22 individuals charged, investigators have recommended the exoneration of four others. Of them, two were reportedly deceased, while the remaining two were cleared due to insufficient evidence linking them to the offences under investigation.

Overview of Accused and Establishments

According to the charge sheet, those named include owners and operators of several restaurants and commercial outlets such as Chayer Chumuk Coffee Shop, Kacchi Bhai, Khazana, Tawaz, Zesty Restaurant, Ambrosia Restaurant, Pizzain, Street Oven, and Fuko Restaurant, among others. The list also includes managers, space lessees, and business operators associated with different floors of the building.

Investigators alleged that the accused acted in collusion and violated multiple government regulations by operating businesses without proper authorisation. The report claims that required approvals from relevant authorities were not obtained and that safety regulations were disregarded in the operation of restaurants and commercial kitchens inside the building.

The use of gas cylinders and electric ovens in confined and inadequately regulated spaces was also highlighted as a major contributing factor. According to the investigation, these hazardous practices significantly increased the risk of fire, ultimately leading to the catastrophic blaze on 29 February 2024 at approximately 9:45 pm.

The CID further stated that the combination of unregulated commercial activity, inadequate fire safety measures, and structural non-compliance created conditions that allowed the fire to spread rapidly, resulting in mass casualties. Among the 46 deceased, three individuals were reportedly burned beyond recognition, underscoring the intensity of the inferno.

Following the incident, police filed a case at Ramna Police Station on 1 March 2024, citing negligence, reckless conduct, unauthorised commercial operation, and failure to ensure public safety. The case also alleges that such violations directly contributed to the loss of life and extensive injuries.

Authorities have stated that the charge sheet represents a significant step towards accountability in one of the most tragic urban fire incidents in recent years. The court is expected to review the submission in the coming proceedings, marking the next phase in a case that has become a focal point in discussions on building safety and regulatory enforcement in the capital.

The Bailey Road fire, which killed 46 people and injured 11 others while 75 were rescued alive, continues to serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with inadequate safety oversight in densely populated commercial buildings.