11 Kolkata hotels shut, anxious Bangladeshis rush to leave

At least 11 hotels in Kolkata have been shut following heightened security concerns, leaving Bangladeshi visitors anxious and prompting many to cut short their stays and leave the Indian city following Tuesday night’s fire at Shikha Inn in the New Market area that killed nine people, including seven Bangladeshis.

The hotel fire has triggered concern in Bangladesh, with worried relatives urging family members staying in Kolkata to shorten their trips and return home as soon as possible.

Khurshid Alam, a resident of Pabna, was staying at another hotel in the same building that housed Shikha Inn.

“After seeing news of the fire and the deaths of five Bangladeshis, my wife and parents called me and asked me to return home immediately. I am here on business. I am trying to finish my work by Friday afternoon, but I will return soon,” he said. 

Many Bangladeshis who had already planned trips to the West Bengal capital are also putting their travel plans on hold amid safety concerns.

Travel agents and hotel associations in Marquis Street, Sadar Street, Colin Street and the New Market area said tourists were leaving Kolkata earlier than scheduled, while those planning to visit the city were postponing their trips.

Meanwhile, Kolkata-based Anandabazar reported that the city municipality and fire department conducted a joint inspection in the New Market area on Friday and shut 11 hotels over various irregularities. The number could rise as inspections continue.

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The authorities have posted closure notices at the affected hotels and ordered them to vacate the premises immediately. Guests at some of the hotels were also asked to leave, with the administration directing all closed establishments to be completely vacated within 24 hours.

Mirza Ghalib Street and Marquis Street in the New Market area are popular budget accommodation hubs for Bangladeshis visiting Kolkata for business or sightseeing. As a result, numerous hotels have sprung up in the area.

Families still waiting for bodies

The bodies of journalist Debashish Dutta and his family members, who were killed in the devastating fire, may be brought back to Bangladesh on Saturday.

Their autopsies were completed on Thursday. Preparations are under way to hand over the bodies to their relatives under the initiative of the Bangladesh government after they are formally released by the West Bengal government.

Abdus Samad, an official of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, confirmed the matter. He said the bodies would be handed over to the relatives once they are formally released by the West Bengal government. The Bangladesh government is bearing all expenses related to bringing the bodies back to the country.

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Bodies of Bangladeshis killed in Kolkata fire to be brought home soon: Shama

According to the family, Debashish Dutta’s brother-in-law, Firoz Hasan, arrived in Kolkata from Kushtia on Wednesday evening and is expected to receive the body. Debashish’s relative Sanchay Ghosh, who is in Kolkata, and his brother-in-law’s brother, Kanchan Nandi, are also involved in the process of receiving the bodies.

The bodies of two other victims from Satkhira district, Alimuzzaman Shaju and Rebati Sarkar, will also be brought back to Bangladesh on Saturday.

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Kushtia journalist, wife, son and father-in-law killed in Kolkata hotel fire

Satkhira Deputy Commissioner Kawsar Aziz said the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission is working to bring Shaju’s body back to the country. The district administration is also monitoring the matter and will provide all necessary assistance if required.

However, no confirmed information had yet been received regarding the repatriation of Rebati Sarkar’s body.