Just a month and a half ago, a fire ripped through Green Cozy Cottage, a popular hangout spot, claiming 46 lives. Now, the charred structure stands as a grim reminder of the tragedy, a stark contrast to the bustling celebrations of Pahela Baishakh happening all around it.

While people throng restaurants, shops, and brand stores on Bailey Road, some take selfies in front of the police-guarded ruins, their faces etched with a mixture of shock and sombre reflection.

A city on pause, then alive again

As in years past, the people of the country celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest Muslim festival, in a fitting manner. This was succeeded by the celebration of Pahela Baishakh, the Bangla New Year, which was also observed with due significance and joy throughout the country.

Because of a comparatively long vacation due to Eid-ul-Fitr and Pahela Baishakh, many parts of Dhaka remained almost calm and quiet, but the city centre of Bailey Road remained ever-busy.

Bustling Bailey Road

The bustling at the restaurants, outlets and brand shops of Bailey Road was worth-noticing. This neighbourhood remains ever-busy with people. Teachers, students and their family members as well as people from various walks of life throng here.

This year’s Pahela Baishakh was no exception even though the festival unfolded against a backdrop of tragedy.

A shadow of loss

Just a month and a half ago, on the night of 29 February, Green Cozy Cottage, home to several renowned restaurants including Kacchi Bhai, was engulfed in flames, claiming the lives of 46 individuals.

The building was teeming with people that day, drawn by the special offerings of various restaurants in observance of Leap Year.

Now, Green Cozy Cottage stands as a charred structure under police guard, contrasting with the bustling activity of nearby buildings and streets during the Pahela Baishakh festival.

Banners from various organisations hang on the police barricade and around the building, serving as symbols of mourning and condolence for those who lost their lives in the fire.

As people gather in front of the building, some are visibly shocked by the loss of their loved ones, while others solemnly reflect on the tragedy.
Amidst this sombre scene, some individuals stand before the barricade, guarded by police, capturing selfies or photos on their mobile phones.
Meanwhile, shopkeepers in various mobile shops on both sides of the road struggle to fulfil orders from customers.

Groups of people wait for seating outside restaurants, where available seats are scarce. Some moved from one restaurant to another, unable to find a vacant seat.

The area is bustling with activity, with crowds thronging various brand shops and outlets.

In the evening of Pahela Baishakh, festivities seemed to prevail in the Gold Palace building located on the west side of Green Cozy Cottage, where establishments like Pizza Hut and KFC host parties and events.

On the opposite side of the building, establishments like Café Gelateria, Burger Xpress, Sxtiate, Wasis Cafe and Restaurant Swiss, Al-Khabbaz, A One Food and Pastry, and Arabian Cake and Sweets drew crowds of people. The food court of the Capital Siraj Centre Shopping Mall, situated right in front of the charred building, was also bustling with activity, along with various nearby restaurants, juice bars, and food courts.

Nabila Rahman, a student of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, who visited Bailey Road on Pahela Baishakh, told the Daily Sun, “We, friends, have gathered here today to celebrate. We had to endure a long wait to get a pizza due to the overwhelming rush of people.”

Regarding the tragedy at the burnt building, she said, “We hope such incidents do not occur again. We trust that the relevant authorities will take the necessary measures to prevent such accidents. Additionally, building and restaurant owners should also be more vigilant and responsible.”