Arrest Warrants Issued Against 13 Accused in Bailey Road Fire Tragedy Case

A Dhaka court has issued arrest warrants against 13 absconding accused in connection with the deadly Bailey Road fire incident, after formally accepting the chargesheet filed against 22 individuals.

The order was passed on Sunday by the court of Metropolitan Magistrate Md Jewel Rana following a hearing on the case.

According to prosecution officials, nine of the accused appeared before the court, while the remaining 13 failed to attend, prompting the court to issue arrest warrants against them.

Earlier, on April 2, the investigating officer from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Inspector Shah Jalal Munshi, submitted the chargesheet after finding preliminary evidence of violations under multiple sections of the penal code.

The case stems from a devastating fire that broke out on February 29, 2024, at the Green Cozy Cottage building on Bailey Road in Dhaka. The incident claimed the lives of 46 people, with at least three victims reportedly burned beyond recognition.

The chargesheet alleges that the accused, including owners of several restaurants in the building, operated their businesses without proper authorization and in violation of safety regulations. It further states that the use of gas cylinders and electric ovens in an unsafe environment contributed to the outbreak and rapid spread of the fire.

The tragic incident had raised serious concerns about fire safety standards and regulatory enforcement in commercial buildings across the capital. Authorities continue to pursue legal proceedings as part of efforts to ensure accountability.