by Hafizur Rahman
A fire broke out late Monday night in Camp 3, Block G, Sub-block G85, near Camp 5 in the Rohingya refugee camps, causing damage to one shelter but no casualties, residents said. The incident occurred around 9:30 pm on January 31, 2026.
The fire affected the shelter of Hamid Hussain, son of Haso Mia, a resident of Camp 3, Block G. According to nearby residents, flames were first noticed inside the shelter, prompting people in the surrounding area to raise an alarm.
Camp residents immediately rushed to the scene and attempted to control the fire using water and sand to prevent it from spreading. Volunteers and emergency response teams arrived shortly afterward and managed to bring the situation under control.
No deaths or injuries were reported. However, the fire destroyed household belongings, leaving the affected family in distress and in urgent need of assistance.
Residents Describe Panic and Fear
A Rohingya resident from the area said the incident caused panic throughout the block, as people feared the fire could spread quickly through the densely packed shelters.
“We were very scared when we saw the fire. Everyone came out of their shelters and tried to help. Thankfully, the fire did not spread to other blocks,” the resident said.
Another resident highlighted the ongoing safety risks inside the camps, especially during nighttime.
“This fire reminds us how unsafe our shelters are. We need better protection and quick support to prevent such incidents in the future,” the resident said.
Cause Yet to Be Determined
The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. Camp authorities and volunteer groups are currently assessing the extent of the damage and arranging support for the affected family.
Residents have called for stronger fire safety measures and improved emergency preparedness, particularly at night, to prevent similar incidents in the overcrowded camp areas.
