Restaurant crackdown on, many close fearing harassment | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Wednesday
June 11, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2025
Restaurant crackdown on, many close fearing harassment

Bangladesh

TBS Report
05 March, 2024, 07:50 pm
Last modified: 06 March, 2024, 11:55 am

Related News

  • Bulk of social assistance to be distributed through digital cash transfer under FY26 budget
  • 58-day fishing ban in Bay to end at midnight
  • DGHS issues 11-point directive to prevent spread of Covid-19 in Bangladesh
  • Covid-19 testing to resume at hospitals amid rising infections
  • Commonwealth offers support in Bangladesh reform process 

Restaurant crackdown on, many close fearing harassment

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police and other agencies have conducted over 562 inspections since the 29 February fire. These drives resulted in five cases being filed and the arrest of 229 restaurant workers and managers

TBS Report
05 March, 2024, 07:50 pm
Last modified: 06 March, 2024, 11:55 am
TBS Illustration
TBS Illustration

Following the tragic Bailey Road restaurant fire that claimed 46 lives, authorities in Dhaka have launched a relentless crackdown on restaurants lacking proper fire safety measures. 

This has spooked many restaurant owners, leading to closures across the city.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police and other agencies have conducted over 562 inspections since the 29 February fire. These drives resulted in five cases being filed and the arrest of 229 restaurant workers and managers. 

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

However, many criticise the focus on employees and demand action against building and restaurant owners deemed ultimately responsible.

Restaurant owners, however, are critical of the current approach. The Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association, at a press conference yesterday, demanded the formation of a task force to address their concerns. They argue that the current system of multiple agencies conducting independent raids with mobile courts creates unnecessary harassment and disrupts business operations.

"There's too much confusion," said Imran Hasan, general secretary of the association. "The government already has a food safety regulatory body. Let them do their job effectively."

The fear of raids has led many restaurants to shut down indefinitely. The Business Standard correspondents reported numerous restaurants closed across the city following the launch of these safety drives. Some restaurants have even resorted to citing "renovation works" on social media to explain their closures.

The crackdown extends beyond restaurants. Authorities are inspecting restaurants, shops storing gas cylinders, and even chemical warehouses. Following a directive from the High Court, Fire Service and Civil Defence, along with other agencies, have begun publicly marking buildings deemed "risky" based on fire safety violations. 

Additionally, the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) sealed two restaurants – Sultan's Dine and Nawabi Bhoj for failing to demonstrate proper fire safety documentation. 

"The restaurants are situated a few metres away from the site of the deadly fire," said Muhammad Salman Farsi, assistant commissioner of Ramna zone.

Several other establishments, including Capital Siraj Center and Swiss Bakery, were fined for non-compliance.

The focus on fire safety comes after a public outcry following the Bailey Road tragedy. Mobile courts established by the Dhaka South City Corporation and Rajuk have sealed off several restaurants in recent days, including Gawsia Twin Peak, Keari Crescent, and a building in Khilgaon, for fire safety violations or operating without permits.

While the crackdown aims to improve fire safety in restaurants, the Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association and some restaurant owners are calling for a more coordinated and less disruptive approach from the authorities.

Top News

bailey road fire / fire safety / drive / Bangladesh / arrest

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus speaks at the Chatham House in London on 11 June 2025. Photo: CA Press Wing
    No desire to be part of next elected govt: CA Yunus
  • File photo of BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. Photo: Collected
    Khasru flies to London to join Yunus-Tarique meeting
  • File Photo: TBS
    DGHS issues 11-point directive to prevent spread of Covid-19 in Bangladesh

MOST VIEWED

  • Illustration: Duniya Jahan/ TBS
    Forget Katy Perry, here’s Bangladesh’s Ruthba Yasmin shooting for the moon
  • A file photo of Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur. Photo: Collected
    'I have no relation with this': Ahsan Mansur debunks Joy’s allegations over daughter’s Dubai flat
  • Faiz Ahmad Tayeb. Photo: BSS
    Import duty on raw materials for e-bikes, lithium batteries reduced from 80% to 1% in some cases: Faiz Taiyeb
  • Screengrab from video shows a group of local youths forcing tourists to leave a tourist spot in Utmachhra area of Sylhet's Companiganj on Sunday, 8 June 2025, citing allegations of obscene activities and environmental damage
    Locals declare tourist spot in Sylhet 'closed', force visitors to leave
  • Shakil Ahmed. Photo: Collected
    DU student allegedly hangs himself following threats over old derogatory comment about Prophet on Facebook
  • Photo shows the Land Cruiser Prado car belonging to former member of parliament (MP) Anwarul Azim Anar found in Kushtia. Photo: TBS
    Luxury car of ex-AL MP Anar, who was killed in Kolkata, found in Kushtia

Related News

  • Bulk of social assistance to be distributed through digital cash transfer under FY26 budget
  • 58-day fishing ban in Bay to end at midnight
  • DGHS issues 11-point directive to prevent spread of Covid-19 in Bangladesh
  • Covid-19 testing to resume at hospitals amid rising infections
  • Commonwealth offers support in Bangladesh reform process 

Features

Among pet birds in the country, lovebirds are the most common, and they are also the most numerous in the haat. Photo: Junayet Rashel

Where feathers meet fortune: How a small pigeon stall became Dhaka’s premiere bird market

56m | Panorama
Illustration: Duniya Jahan/ TBS

Forget Katy Perry, here’s Bangladesh’s Ruthba Yasmin shooting for the moon

23h | Features
File photo of Eid holidaymakers returning to the capital from their country homes/Rajib Dhar

Dhaka: The city we never want to return to, but always do

2d | Features
Photo collage shows political posters in Bagerhat. Photos: Jannatul Naym Pieal

From Sheikh Dynasty to sibling rivalry: Bagerhat signals a turning tide in local politics

4d | Bangladesh

More Videos from TBS

WB predicts worst decade for global growth since 60s

WB predicts worst decade for global growth since 60s

1h | TBS Stories
Foreign firm to draft merger plan for investment promotion agencies

Foreign firm to draft merger plan for investment promotion agencies

2h | TBS Insight
US-China London meeting ends as planned

US-China London meeting ends as planned

2h | TBS World
When will the heat wave subside?

When will the heat wave subside?

3h | TBS Today
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net