Writ seeks directive to close restaurants in residential buildings

A writ has been filed with the High Court (HC) seeking its directive upon the government to close restaurants and business establishments in all residential buildings in the capital.

Supreme Court lawyer Md Eunus Ali Akond submitted the petition as a public interest litigation to the HC.

The writ also sought the court's order to arrest the persons responsible for the fire incident caused at the Green Cozy Cottage building and directives to give compensation to the families of the victims and provide treatment to the injured people.

The hearing will be held at the HC bench of Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zinat Haque.

The fire that caught Green Cozy Cottage building in the capital's Baily Road area claimed the lives of 46 people. Of them, 20 were men, 18 women and 8 children. The bodies of 44 of the deceased have, so far, been handed over to their respective families.

It was learnt that the fire originated from 'Cha-Chumuk' restaurant-- housed on the ground floor of the seven- storey building-- which later spread to the whole building.