Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat expressed deep shock and sorrow on Saturday over deaths in a fire at a resort and restaurant in Inani, Cox’s Bazar, and directed the Bangladesh Tourism Board to take a set of emergency measures, the ministry said.

The fire broke out at Tuptup Resort and Restaurant in the Patuartek area along the Inani Marine Drive road in Ukhiya, a tourist area south of Cox’s Bazar town, according to a ministry press release. The statement did not give the number of dead, injured, or missing, or say when the fire started.

The minister offered condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. He also urged the authorities concerned to act quickly to trace missing people and to establish the cause of the fire, the ministry said.

“Such tragic accidents are extremely painful,” Millat was quoted as saying. “It is essential to support those affected and to maintain the coordinated efforts of everyone involved in the rescue operation.”

The ministry said the minister directed the Bangladesh Tourism Board to take the following urgent steps:

Send a delegation to the site to assess the situation, determine the extent of the damage, and assist tourists.

Hold an emergency meeting with local administration, law enforcement agencies, and tourism industry stakeholders to ensure tourists’ overall safety in the future, and swiftly implement the meeting’s recommendations.

Strengthen fire safety and provide special emergency rescue training for staff at tourist destinations, with support from the Fire Service and Civil Defence, to prevent similar incidents.

The minister prayed for the deceased and their families, the statement said.