Hotel
Woman found dead inside Sylhet hotel room: Police
A 19-year-old woman was found dead in a Dakshin Surma residential hotel room Wednesday, police said.
However, hotel manager Jahir Miah, the former husband of the 19-year-old, went into hiding after the incident.
The deceased was identified as Nilima Begum Lily from Sylhet's Osmaninagar upazila.
Md Kamrul Hasan Talukdar, officer-in-charge (OC) of Dakshin Surma Police Station, said the two kept in touch despite their separation.
"We recovered the body from the first floor of 'Shapla Residential Hotel,' ramming the door of room No. 105 open after getting information from the hotel staff around 10.45am," he said.
The body was sent to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical Hospital for post-mortem, Kamrul said, adding that the body bore no injury marks.
"Police are looking for Jahir. The cause of Lily's death can be confirmed after investigation," the OC said.
Read more: 2 Ansar members found dead inside Agrani Bank in Narsingdi
Massive fire at Cambodia hotel casino kills at least 19
A massive fire at a Cambodian hotel casino Thursday injured over 60 people and killed at least 19 — a number that officials warned would rise after the search for bodies resumes Friday.
The blaze, which started around midnight Wednesday, was put out over 12 hours later at 2 p.m. Thursday, said Sek Sokhom, head of Banteay Meanchey province’s information department. He said more than 60 people were injured and the death toll was expected to rise once rescuers are able to access victims who were believed to still be under debris or in locked rooms.
Videos posted on social media showed people falling from a roof after they were trapped by the fire at the Grand Diamond City casino and hotel in the town of Poipet.
In a video posted by Cambodia’s firefighting agency, a crowd could be heard shouting pleas to rescue people trapped on the roof of the hotel complex, which is more than a dozen stories tall at its highest point. The video showed at least one person falling as the flames reached the roof.
“Oh, please help rescue them. Pump water, pump water!” shouted onlookers.
The Department of Fire Prevention, Extinguishing and Rescue said it heard calls for help at 4 a.m. emanating from rooms on the 13th, 14th and 15th floors. Hands and even a mobile phone's flashlight were seen waving from windows inside the complex.
“The fire was massive, and was inside the casino, so it was difficult for our water cannons to reach it,” said a firefighter in the video posted online by the fire department.
Read more: Rain, floods in Philippines leave 32 dead, others missing
Many of those inside, both customers and staff, were from neighboring Thailand, which sent firetrucks and emergency workers Thursday to help cope with the crisis in the bustling border town.
An initial investigation found that the fire may have been caused New Year’s holiday decorations drawing too much electricity, causing wires to overheat and burn, Sek Sokhom said. The dead and injured comprised people of several nationalities, including Thai, Chinese, Malaysian, Vietnamese and Cambodian, he said.
A local Buddhist temple was being used to receive their bodies.
The Grand Diamond City casino complex has 500 employees, and had 1,000 customers Wednesday, according to a report from Soth Kimkolmony, a spokesperson for Cambodia’s National Committee for Disaster Management. It was unclear how many were present when the fire broke out.
“Right now, we are trying to bring the dead bodies from the building down. I don’t think there will be any survivors because of very thick smoke. Even we all (the rescue staff) have to wear proper gear when we go inside the building, otherwise we cannot breathe at all,” said Montri Khaosa-ard, a staff member of Thailand Ruamkatanyu Foundation, a social welfare organization that sends volunteers to disaster scenes.
Thai and Cambodian rescue teams worked side by side in Thursday's search of the premises, but paused efforts their searched efforts at the dangerously damaged site as night fell.
Thailand’s public television network, Thai PBS, reported that 50 Thais, both staff and customers, had been trapped inside the casino complex. It cited reports that the emergency ward in Aranyaprathet Hospital on the Thai side of the border was full and some victims had to be sent to other hospitals.
Poipet in western Cambodia is a site of busy cross-border trade and tourism opposite the city of Aranyaprathet in more affluent Thailand.
Read more: Heavy snow in Japan leaves 17 dead, dozens injured
Casinos are illegal in Thailand. Many Thais visit neighboring countries such as Cambodia — a popular tourist destination with convenient international connections — to gamble. Poipet has a cluster of more than a dozen casinos.
The Grand Diamond City casino is just a short walk from the border checkpoint with Thailand and popular with customers who make the four-hour drive from the Thai capital, Bangkok.
Police raid hotels in Banani, Motijheel
Police said they conducted "block raids" on several hotels in Banani and one in Motijheel in the capital Saturday night, suspecting the presence of militants, wanted criminals, and drug peddlers.
Police suspect that members of banned militant outfits, drug dealers, and wanted criminals are staying in several hotels and messes in Banani's Kakoli, according to Abdul Ahad, deputy commissioner (DC) of the Gulshan Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
They barricaded different roads and set up check posts on different roads in Gulshan and Banani, including the one near BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia's Gulshan residence.
"The raids started at 9pm and will continue. No one has been arrested so far," Ahad said.
Police also started conducting a raid in a hotel near Motijheel's Doinik Bangla intersection suspecting the presence of criminals, Yasir Arafat, officer-in-charge of Motijheel Police Station said, adding: "The drive will continue."
Police are conducting 15-day operations in hotels across Bangladesh to ensure security ahead of Victory Day.
Read more: Kuakata hotel & eatery owners go on indefinite strike over raids
British national found dead in city hotel
A 60-year-old British national was found dead at a hotel in the capital’s Uttara area on Thursday, said police.
The deceased was identified as Finlayson Dugald, who came to Bangladesh with a tourist visa and had been staying in ‘Marino Hotel’ in Sector No 4 on Road No 11 since September 20.
Hotel staff said Dugald’s Chinese friend Dong Hao Peng knocked the door of his room but received no response around 10am.
Later, the door of the room No 108 was unlocked with a duplicate key and his body was found lying in the bathroom, they said .
Read: Young couple found dead at Mohammadpur flat
Md Mamunur Rahman, sub-inspector of Uttara East Police Station, said on information they rushed to the spot and sent the body to Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue for an autopsy.
The foreigner might have died of sickness but the exact reason will be known after the postmortem, he said.
Engineer’s body found in Hotel Intercontinental: Police
The body of an engineer of Hotel Intercontinental was found inside the hotel in the city on Wednesday, police said.
The dead had been identified as Subrata Saha, 52. He had been serving in the hotel for last 20 years. He was residing at Hatirpol along with his wife and daughter.
The cause of his death could not be ascertained.
Inspector (investigation) of Ramna Police Station Nur Mohammad told reporters that Subrata entered the hotel around 9:30 am on Wednesday. He went up to 11th floor by elevator and after then his presence was not found anywhere. Later at around 11:30 am, the cleaners of the hotel saw his body lying on the roof of the extended part of the entrance of the hotel, he said.
READ: Unidentified man’s body found inside plastic drum in city
He was wearing a white striped shirt and blue pants. Being informed, Ramna thana police went to the spot and recovered the body. Later, CID's crime scene unit went and collected various samples from the spot.
His body was found lying on the roof two-storey annex of the hotel building.
Another officer of Ramna police station said primarily it seems that engineer Subrata fell from the roof of the 11th floor and died. However, the police are investigating whether he jumped on his own or was pushed by someone, the police officer said requesting anonymity. He said that Police have seized CCTV footage of the hotel.
Several employees of the hotel have already been questioned by police. The body was sent to Dhaka Medical College Morgue for autopsy.
Desperate search for survivors in Cuba hotel blast; 27 dead
Relatives of the missing in Cuba’s capital desperately searched Saturday for victims of an explosion at one of Havana's most luxurious hotels that killed at least 27 people. They checked the morgue, hospitals and if unsuccessful, they returned to the partially collapsed Hotel Saratoga, where rescuers used dogs to hunt for survivors.
A natural gas leak was the apparent cause of Friday’s blast at the 96-room hotel. The 19th-century structure in the Old Havana neighborhood did not have any guests at the time because it was undergoing renovations ahead of a planned Tuesday reopening after being closed for two years during the pandemic.
On Saturday evening, Dr. Julio Guerra Izquierdo, chief of hospital services at the Ministry of Health, raised the death toll to 27 with 81 people injured. The dead included four children and a pregnant woman. Spain's President Pedro Sánchez said via Twitter that a Spanish tourist was among the dead and that another Spaniard was seriously injured.
Cuban authorities confirmed the tourist’s death and said her partner was injured. They were not staying at the hotel. Tourism Minister Dalila González said a Cuban-American tourist was also injured.
Representatives of Grupo de Turismo Gaviota SA, which owns the hotel, said during a news conference Saturday that 51 workers had been inside the hotel at the time, as well as two people working on renovations. Of those, 11 were killed, 13 remained missing and six were hospitalized.
González said the cause of the blast was still under investigation, but a large crane hoisted a charred gas tanker from the hotel's rubble early Saturday.
Search and rescue teams worked through the night and into Saturday, using ladders to descend through the rubble and twisted metal into the hotel’s basement as heavy machinery gingerly moved away piles of the building’s façade to allow access. Above, chunks of drywall dangled from wires, desks sat seemingly undisturbed inches from the void where the front of the building cleaved away.
READ: Rescuers look for victims at Cuba hotel after blast kills 25
At least one survivor was found early Saturday in the shattered ruins, and rescuers using search dogs clambered over huge chunks of concrete looking for more. Relatives of missing people remained at the site while others gathered at hospitals where the injured were being treated.
A desperate Yatmara Cobas stood outside the perimeter waiting for word of her daughter, 27-year-old housekeeper Shaidis Cobas.
“My daughter is in the Saratoga; she’s been there since 8 a.m. (Friday), and at this time I don’t know anything about her,” Cobas said. “She’s not at the morgue, she’s not in the hospital.” The mother said she had gone everywhere seeking answers from authorities, but coming up empty.
“I’m tired of the lies,” she said.
Gov. Reinaldo García Zapata said Saturday evening that 19 families have reported loved ones missing and that rescue efforts would continue.
Lt. Col. Enrique Peña briefed Comandante Ramiro Valdés, who fought alongside Fidel Castro, on the search efforts at the site. Peña said the presence of people had been detected on the first floor and in the basement and four teams of search dogs and handlers were working. He did not know if the victims were alive or dead.
“I don’t want to move from here,” Cristina Avellar told The Associated Press near the hotel.
Avellar was waiting for news of Odalys Barrera, a 57-year-old cashier who has worked at the hotel for five years. She is the godmother of Barrera’s daughters and considers her like a sister.
Neighbors were still in shock a day after the explosion.
“I thought it was a bomb,” said Guillermo Madan, a 73-year-old retiree, who lives just meters from the building, but was not injured. The three-decade resident of the neighborhood was cooking and watching television when he heard the blast. “My room moved from here to there. My neighbor’s window broke, the plates, everything.”
Katerine Marrero, 31, was shopping at the time. “I left the store, I felt the explosion,” she said. “Everyone started to run.”
Although no tourists were reported injured, the explosion is another blow to the country’s crucial tourism industry.
Even before the coronavirus pandemic kept tourists away from Cuba, the country was struggling with tightened sanctions imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump and kept in place the Biden administration. Those limited visits by U.S. tourists to the islands and restricted remittances from Cubans in the U.S. to their families in Cuba.
Tourism had started to revive somewhat early this year, but the war in Ukraine deflated a boom of Russian visitors, who accounted for almost a third of the tourists arriving in Cuba last year.
A 300-student school next to the hotel was evacuated.
The emblematic hotel had a stunning view of Cuba's center, including the domed Capitol building about 110 yards (100 meters) away. The Capitol suffered broken glass and damaged masonry from the explosion.
The hotel was renovated in 2005 as part of the Cuban government’s revival of Old Havana and is owned by the Cuban military’s tourism business arm, Grupo de Turismo Gaviota SA. The company said it was investigating the cause of the blast and did not respond to an email from the AP seeking more details about the hotel and the renovation it was undergoing.
In the past, the Hotel Saratoga has been used by visiting VIPs and political figures, including high-ranking U.S. government delegations. Beyoncé and Jay-Z stayed there in 2013.
García Zapata said structures adjacent to the hotel were being evaluated, including two badly damaged apartment buildings. Díaz-Canel said families in affected buildings had been transferred to safer locations.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador arrived in Havana for a visit late Saturday. He was scheduled to meet with Diaz Canel Sunday morning and return to Mexico Sunday night.
DU student found dead at Dhaka hotel
A 25-year-old Dhaka University (DU) student was found dead at a hotel in the capital's Segunbagicha area in the early hours of Thursday.
Adnan Sakib, a student of DU's international relations department (2014-15), lived at the varsity's Shaheed Sgt Zahurul Haque Hall.
Read:Medical student’s hanging body found in Dhaka
Police said the victim's wife lodged a missing person's complaint at the Shahbag police station on Wednesday night after his husband went missing.
Cops soon put Adnan's phone number on surveillance and tracked him down.
Palash Saha, sub-inspector at the Shahbagh police station, said that they scanned the register of Karnaphuli Hotel and went to the room in which Adnan had put up.
Cops broke open the door around 1.30am after getting no response from inside. Inside, they found his body hanging from the ceiling fan. A suicide note has been found in the hotel room, Palash said.
Read: Hanging body of young woman recovered from Cox’s Bazar hotel
The body was sent to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue for an autopsy.
Adnan had identified himself as a DU admission seeker at the time of check-in, police said.
"We suspect he ended his life over some personal problems. However, exact details will emerge only after further investigation," the SI added.
Best Bangladesh Beach Resorts to Spend Your Vacation
There’s nothing quite like a retreat to the beach. Whether it’s the sandy coastline or the deep blue sea, the calm and incessant waves are sure to be relaxing and unwinding for many. Beaches always had a priority in people’s vacation lists, and that paved the way for many hotels and resorts on our coastline. But are all of them good? In this article, we will take a look at the 8 best beach resorts in Bangladesh in 2021 so that you can plan your next retreat with ease.
Top Bangladeshi Beach Resorts to Spend your Vacation with Family
Grand Beach Resort Cox’s Bazar
The first on our list is the Grand Beach Resort Cox’s Bazar. Located less than a mile from the Sugandha Beach point, the Grand Beach Resort is located right between the sea beach and the central Cox’s Bazar. The resort comes with its parking area, so you won't have to worry if you’re traveling on private transportation.
The facilities of this hotel are fairly standard. You get free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a sofa, and access to the balcony. The bathroom is fitted with all the necessary amenities. The price for a one-night stay starts at 3000 BDT and goes all the way up to 4000 BDT.
Read Best Resorts near Dhaka for Day out or Weekend Away
Long Beach Hotel Cox’s Bazar
If you’re looking for a 5-star experience on the beachside, the Long Beach Hotel Cox’s Bazar is the destination for you. Founded in 2018, the resort is located just a 14-minute walk from the beach at a very picturesque location. The view from the balcony is something that you will enjoy. The room comes with its minibar and everything from the beds and sofa to the bathroom has a touch of luxury in them.
If you opt for one of their suites, you’ll have access to a separate kitchenette and living room. In addition to that, the resort offers a complimentary buffet, sauna, and gym access. The price for a night’s stay for two starts at 6300 BDT and goes all the way up to 8300 BDT.
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Praasad Paradise Hotel & Resort
The next one on our list is another beachfront resort. The Praasad Paradise Hotel & Resort is a 3-star luxury resort situated at the heart of Cox’s Bazar sea beach. If you are an international traveler or fly by plane, there is a complimentary airport shuttle service available.
The rooms are spacious with all the necessary amenities. You’ll be getting a complimentary oriental buffet breakfast in this resort. There is access to free Wi-Fi, room service as well a lounge area. Check-in starts at 12:00 PM and the last time for check-out is 11:30 AM. The price for a one-night stay starts at 4500 BDT.
Read Sylhet Tourist Places – Where to Go and What to Do
Mermaid Eco Resort
Mermaid Eco Resort isn’t your typical beachside resort. The cottage bungalow-type resort situated at Dhoapalong is a luxury retreat between the nature and the sea. The interior of the bungalows is designed in a rustic way. You can book an entire cottage which comes with a river view and garden view options. There is complimentary room service and standard amenities as you would expect from a 3-Star bungalow.
The resort also offers an airport shuttle service. You can also avail of the on-spot parking service available right beside the resort. The continental breakfast is another great addition to their service. The serene environment with outstanding service makes this resort an easy pick for many tourists. The price one-night stay starts at 6000 BDT and goes all the way up to 11000 BDT for studio bungalows.
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Exotica Sampan
Another touristy resort right beside the sea beaches of Marine Drive is the Exotica Sampan. This relatively new establishment has made its name due to quality service and amenities at an affordable price range. Situated in Marine Drive, the resort offers a unique view of the mountain and the sea unlike any you’ll find in the area.
The in-house amenities are right on par with the price with soundproofing, toiletries, TV, and 24-hour room service. All of the rooms have a sea view balcony which is an additional plus point. You get access to in-house restaurants and BBQ facilities. Overall, this can be a cozy and luxurious option for those of you looking for a quiet retreat among the mountain and the sea. The price for a night’s stay for two starts at 6900 BDT and goes up to 10800 BDT for four.
Read Rangamati Tourist Attractions – Where to Go and What to Do
Ocean Paradise Hotel and Resort
Ocean paradise is another high-end luxury resort at the heart of Cox’s Bazar sea beach. The resort offers an amazing view of the sea from its balcony which is sure to mesmerize you. As a 3-star hotel, the service is exceptional. You get 24-hour room service and access to in-house facilities like indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym and oriental restaurants.
The air-conditioned rooms are perfectly crafted to exquisite taste. The staff does an excellent job of preparing the room pristinely. The check-in time starts at around 12 PM and the last time for check-out is 11:30 PM. You can also avail of the private shuttle service offered by the hotel subject to additional charges. Per night stay for two starts at 6500 BDT and can range up to 11000 BDT depending on the suite.
Read Top 3 Staycation Spots in Bangladesh
Sayeman Beach Resort
Credited as the first private beach resort of Cox’s Bazar, Sayeman Beach resort was founded in 1964 and later redeveloped in 2015 to its current state. Situated on the beaches of Marine Drive, Sayeman Beach Resort offers an oceanfront view like no other. This luxury resort is a choice of many thanks to its location and service.
Their infinity pool is quite an attraction for the tourists looking for a luxury serene retreat. You also get access to their Casablanca restaurant and Tararom Spa, both of which add to the essence of quality service. There are special offers all year round and currently, they have Ramadan and Eid package which starts at 11000 BDT for 2 people. The quality experience and service easily make Sayeman one of the best beach resorts in Bangladesh.
Read Best Khagrachhari Tourist Spots to Explore in Your Vacation
Royal Tulip Sea Pearl Beach Resort and Spa
When it comes to absolute luxury by sea, the Royal Tulip easily makes it to the list of the best ones. Founded in 2015 by the Sea Pearl Group, the Royal Tulip offers a European-style 5-star luxury stay at the heart of Inani beach. Nestled between the hills and the endless stretch of sea, the Royal Tulip offers all the luxurious amenities you can think of in their 15-acre area.
From the water park to tennis courts to 3D movie theatres, the resort has it all. The suites are designed not only to be aesthetic but also to carry a distinct signature that speaks of quality and comfort. There are special packages available year-round with the base one starting at 10900 all-inclusive.
Read Also: Visit Sadullapur Golap Gram, Rose Village at Savar for Day Tour
Final Words
These are some of the best beach resorts in Bangladesh and you’ll have a memorable experience regardless of the ones that you choose from this list. The pricing that we mentioned here is subject to change based on demand and availability. And, it is recommended to follow the associated safety rules and regulations while roaming any beach area. So, are you ready for your next beach retreat?