Cox’s Bazar, Oct 27 (V7N) – Cox’s Bazar Development Authority (CDA) and the Ukhiya upazila administration have launched a demolition drive against an under-construction five-storey building in Inani, Cox’s Bazar, for allegedly being built without the authority’s approval.

The joint operation began on Monday at the building, located south of Sea-Pearl Hotel in the tourist area of Inani.

Abu Abdullah, assistant commissioner (land) of Ukhiya upazila, said the building is owned by SS Enterprise. Construction began about a year ago and is still ongoing. Although it has been suggested that the building may be used as a hotel or commercial establishment, its intended use has not been confirmed.

According to administration sources, the owner did not obtain the required building plan approval or construction permit from the CDA before starting work. The authorities therefore launched an inspection to examine the construction, verify the approved plans and relevant documents, and remove any portions found to violate regulations.

CDA authorised officer Fazle Rabbi, CDA Secretary and Deputy Secretary Sanjida Begum, and other officials were present during the operation. Police and Ansar members were deployed to maintain law and order, while Fire Service and Sea Resources Department (SRB) personnel were also assisting with the demolition drive.

CDA officials said they were checking the building’s approval documents and comparing the actual construction with the authorised plans. The portions to be removed will be determined after the inspection.

Fazle Rabbi said he was at the site and would provide details after the operation was completed.

The drive comes amid renewed concerns over safety and regulatory compliance at tourist establishments following a devastating fire at Tuptup Restaurant in Patuartek, Jaliapalong Union, Ukhiya, which killed 10 people.

Numerous hotels and resorts have been built along both sides of the approximately 80-kilometre Marine Drive road between Cox’s Bazar and Teknaf. Questions have increasingly been raised about whether these establishments have the required approvals, comply with construction regulations and meet safety standards.

The demolition drive was still underway when this report was filed. The extent of the demolition and whether further legal action would be taken against the owner had not yet been confirmed.

END/MSI/SMA/