A writ petition has been lodged with the High Court, urging directives to cease operations of restaurants situated in residential buildings, including those on Bailey Road in the capital.
Filed by Advocate Md Eunus Ali Akond on Sunday, the writ simultaneously seeks the arrest of individuals responsible for the recent Green Cozy Cottage building fire. The petition advocates for compensation to the families of the victims affected by the tragic incident.
The respondents to the rule include Secretaries to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Ministry of Home Affairs, cabinet secretary, inspector general of police, chairman of Rjauk, and mayors of Dhaka south and north city corporations, among others.
The petition is scheduled for consideration before the bench of Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque, as confirmed by lawyer Eunus Ali Akond.
The devastating fire on Thursday night at Green Cozy Cottage claimed the lives of 46 people, leaving over 20 others severely injured. Firefighters bravely rescued 70 individuals, including 42 found unconscious, from the seven-storey building.
In response, a case was swiftly filed by the police on Friday night. Authorities also took prompt action on Saturday by detaining Hamimul Haque Bipul, the manager of the Green Cozy Cottage building, from Dhanmondi. Additionally, the owners of Chumuk restaurant, Anwarul Haque and Shafiqur Rahman Rimon, along with Md Jisan, manager of Kacchi Bhai restaurant, were also apprehended in connection with the fire.
The High Court petition reflects a growing concern for the safety of residents in buildings hosting commercial ventures, particularly restaurants, prompting legal action to mitigate potential risks.
