by Hafizur Rahman
A fire broke out in Block E of Camp 11 in Balukhali on February 13, 2026, at around 3:30 am, destroying 25 shelters and damaging 13 others, according to local sources. No casualties were reported.
The fire started early in the morning while residents were asleep during a cold winter night. Local people said the flames spread quickly through the densely built area before community members intervened.
According to initial reports, a total of 38 family shelters were affected. In addition to residential structures, the fire caused significant damage to humanitarian facilities. Seven NGO structures were completely burned, while eight others were partially damaged.
Community members rushed to the scene and worked together to prevent the fire from spreading further. The Fire Service later arrived and helped bring the situation under control. Residents said the rapid response prevented wider destruction in the surrounding area.
No injuries or missing persons were reported. However, dozens of families lost their shelters and belongings and are now in urgent need of emergency assistance.
Camp 11 in Balukhali is one of the most densely populated sections of the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. Authorities and humanitarian organizations are currently assessing the damage and preparing emergency support for the affected families.
