Dhaka, Oct. 17 -- Safety and security are essential to quality tourism, but the deadly fire at "Tuptup Resto & Resort" in the Patuartek area of Inani Beach in Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, has exposed serious shortcomings in the local administration's efforts to ensure tourist safety at the country's premier tourism destination, experts say.

As Bangladesh seeks to promote Cox's Bazar as an international tourist destination, failure to ensure basic safety standards could undermine visitors' confidence and damage the country's tourism image, they said.

The authorities must investigate the incident, establish accountability and ensure that no tourist facility is allowed to operate without meeting mandatory safety requirements, the experts said.

"W...