Camp Correspondent
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – December 9, 2024: In a harrowing night for the Rohingya community, three separate fires broke out in different sections of the refugee camps, leaving several families homeless and destroying a vital learning center. The incidents, which occurred between December 8 and the early hours of December 9, have sparked fear and speculation among the camp residents.
The first fire erupted at around 8:00 PM in Camp-4 Extension, engulfing one shelter entirely and damaging three others. Thanks to the quick response of nearby residents, the fire was contained before it could spread further. No injuries were reported, but the cause of the fire remains unknown.
Just four hours later, at midnight, a second fire broke out in Block A of Camp-17. This blaze destroyed Mukti’s Learning Center, a crucial space for children’s education, and damaged five nearby shelters. “The learning center is gone, and some families lost their homes,” a Camp-17 resident shared, adding that the community is now pleading for support and a thorough investigation into the incident.
The third fire occurred in Camp-2W’s D Block at around 3:20 AM, just before the Fajr prayer. It originated in the home of Head Majhi Nur Mohammed, where his family was sleeping. “We woke up to smoke and fire. My father shouted for help, and neighbors joined in to extinguish the flames,” Nur Mohammed recounted.
Many residents suspect foul play. “It seems like someone is trying to make life harder for us,” Nur Mohammed speculated, reflecting the growing mistrust and concern within the community.
While no injuries have been reported, the destruction of shelters and community spaces has further strained the already precarious living conditions of the refugees. Camp residents are calling on authorities and aid organizations to investigate the causes of the fires and provide support to those who have been affected.
