A deadly fire at Hotel Shikha Inn on Mirza Ghalib Street near Kolkata’s New Market has triggered fear and anger among Bangladeshi tourists, local residents and businesses. Nine people, including seven Bangladeshis, were killed in the incident.The tragedy has prompted many Bangladeshi visitors to leave hotels in the area and return home early, according to tourists and local businesses. Hotel owners are also worried about the impact on business.The New Market area, including Sadar Street, Marquis Street, Lindsay Street, Mirza Ghalib Street and Free School Street, is widely known as Kolkata’s “hotel district”. The area is particularly popular among Bangladeshi visitors seeking medical treatment because it offers relatively inexpensive hotels and guesthouses.Its proximity to money changers, long-distance bus counters and inexpensive food outlets also makes the area convenient for middle- and lower-middle-income visitors from Bangladesh.However, the recent fire has raised serious questions about fire safety and regulatory oversight in the area. Local residents and tourists allege that many hotels and guesthouses operate without proper licences or adequate safety measures.Some residential buildings have reportedly been converted partly or entirely into hotels, with partitions used to create small rooms. Several establishments allegedly lack emergency exits, while narrow stairways and makeshift electrical connections have added to safety concerns.Bangladeshi tourist Md Uzzal Khan said he survived the fire after taking shelter in a hotel bathroom before being rescued by firefighters. He said many hotels in the area have narrow entry and exit routes, making evacuation difficult during emergencies.Another Bangladeshi tourist from Jatrabari criticised the poor safety standards of hotels in the area and called for inspections of their licences and fire-safety arrangements.Local businessman Samir Das said the incident had created considerable anxiety among Bangladeshi visitors. A tourist named Sohel said many visitors were now leaving their hotels and returning to Bangladesh out of fear.The tragedy has also raised concerns among Bangladeshi patients and their families who regularly travel to Kolkata for treatment. The deaths of a journalist from Kushtia and four members of his family have further intensified the shock in Bangladesh.Some tourists are now considering alternative destinations such as Chennai, Vellore, China and Nepal for medical treatment, citing not only safety concerns but also visa complications, middlemen and long waits at the Benapole border.Following the fire, Kolkata authorities have stepped up inspections. A probe committee has been formed, while the municipal authorities, fire service and electricity department have begun checking the legality and safety arrangements of hotels and guesthouses in the area.The immediate concern for tourists and residents is whether the renewed administrative action will lead to lasting improvements in hotel safety rather than remaining a temporary response to the tragedy.
সহজ ও দ্রুত খবরের আপডেট পেতে আমাদের অ্যাপটি ইন্সটল করুন।
