by Hafizur Rahman | Photo: Md Hossain
Cox’s Bazar | December 29, 2025: A late-night fire tore through Rohingya refugee Camp 24 in Cox’s Bazar on Sunday, injuring three children and destroying around 50 shelters, leaving dozens of families homeless and without necessities, according to residents and volunteers.
The fire broke out at around 10:00 pm and spread rapidly through the densely packed camp, where shelters are built from bamboo, tarpaulin, and other highly flammable materials. Families rushed to escape as flames moved quickly from one shelter to another.
Community volunteers, youth groups, and emergency response teams worked together through the night to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby blocks. Two learning centres and several Quranic schools were also damaged in the incident.
A Rohingya mother who lost her shelter said her family was left with nothing. She said their home burned in front of their eyes and they did not know where they would sleep, especially during the cold season.
A father affected by the fire said his children were crying and running in panic as the flames spread. He said the family escaped with only the clothes they were wearing and urgently need assistance.
The three injured children were taken to a camp medical centre for treatment. No deaths were reported, but many families lost their shelters, food supplies, household items, and important documents.
A camp resident told Rohingya Khobor that fires happen every year and that families suffer the same losses repeatedly. He said safer shelters and improved cooking systems are needed to reduce the risk of future fires.
The incident has once again highlighted the constant fire risk inside the overcrowded Rohingya camps, where limited space, unsafe cooking practices, and flammable shelter materials create dangerous conditions.
Affected families are now seeking emergency shelter, food assistance, medical support, and stronger fire prevention measures as they wait for humanitarian aid to help them rebuild their lives.
