A devastating fire swept through the Ukhia Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar on Tuesday, killing two people, including a child, and leaving over 1,000 families homeless.

The blaze erupted at the Kutupalong Lambashia Camp around noon and was contained after a two-hour firefighting operation. Among the victims was Abul Khair, 60, of Camp-1C Block, while the identity of the child remains unknown.

Md Mujibullah, Khair’s nephew, recounted the horrific scene: “We don’t know how the fire started. When the houses were engulfed in flames, my uncle couldn’t escape. Everything in the house, including all belongings, was reduced to ashes.”

Muhammad d Alam, a young Rohingya, told the Bay of Bengal Post: “The fire has destroyed more than 1,000 homes, leaving thousands of families homeless and in desperate need of support.” He urged for emergency assistance to help the affected families recover from the tragedy.

Four fire service units worked relentlessly to control the blaze, according to Ukhia Fire Service Station Master Shariful Islam. “The fire was brought under control after two hours of effort,” he said, confirming the loss of two lives.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Ukhia Police Station, Arif Hossain, corroborated the casualties, adding that investigations are underway to determine the fire’s cause.

The disaster has compounded the hardships of the already vulnerable Rohingya community, leaving hundreds without shelter or possessions. Authorities are expected to launch emergency relief efforts as they assess the extent of the damage.

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Rohingya refugees, who remain one of the world’s most marginalized and vulnerable populations.
 

BOB Post