Tests expected to help identify victims of Cox’s Bazar blaze.
TBS Report
18 October, 2026, 09:35 pm
Last modified: 18 October, 2026, 09:38 pm
DNA samples collected from the bodies of 10 people killed in a fire at Tuptup Resto and Resort in Patuartek, Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, have been sent to Dhaka for identification.
The samples were collected at the morgue of Cox's Bazar District Sadar Hospital over nearly three hours and handed over to police for testing at around 7pm today (18 October).
Rimon Ghosh, sub-inspector of the Inani Police Outpost and the investigating officer in the case, confirmed the matter.
He said the necessary evidence had been collected from the bodies and the samples were being sent to Malibagh in Dhaka for testing. The identities of the victims could be established after the tests were completed, he added.
He also urged everyone concerned to cooperate in expediting the identification process.
Earlier, at around 3pm today, hospital Resident Medical Officer Subaktagin Mahmud Sohel entered the morgue at Cox's Bazar District Sadar Hospital to oversee the process.
After leaving the morgue around 6pm, he said DNA samples had been collected from all 10 bodies for identification and handed over to police.
The fire broke out on the morning of 17 October at Tuptup Resto & Resort in the Patuartek sea beach area along Cox's Bazar Marine Drive. Ten tourists were killed and seven others injured in the incident.