by Hafizur Rahman
November 19, 2025. Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Two separate fire incidents were reported today in the Rohingya refugee settlements, one in Camp 2W during the early hours of the morning and another in Camp 15 in the afternoon. While no casualties were reported in either event, both incidents have raised concern among residents who say fire risks increase sharply during the dry and cold season.
Early Morning Fire in Camp 2W
The first incident took place around three thirty in the morning in Sub Block D 14 of Camp 2W. Two family shelters belonging to forty six year old Rohima Khatun, daughter of Abdur Shukkur, and fifty year old Shumsul Alam, son of Basa Miya, were destroyed after a fire believed to have been started by an unknown person. Both families were asleep when the flames erupted.
Neighbours rushed to the scene and tried to contain the fire until help arrived. The shelters and belongings were badly damaged, but residents confirmed that no one was injured. Families in the area said the incident has caused fear, especially because the fire broke out while people were sleeping.
Afternoon Fire in Camp 15
A second, smaller fire occurred at two ten in the afternoon in Jamtoli Camp 15. The affected family, identified as that of Abdul Solaam, FCN number 228367, from Block G 1, managed to extinguish the flames before they spread to nearby shelters. Residents said no major damage occurred.
However, the family believes the fire may have been set deliberately. This has caused concern among other households in Camp 15, where many said they now feel unsafe and are calling for a proper investigation.
Growing Worries as Cold Season Begins
Community members in both camps said the incidents are reminders of how vulnerable the shelters are. Fires tend to increase during the cold season due to tightly packed shelters and the use of flammable materials. Residents are urging authorities to reinforce safety measures, improve night time monitoring and conduct thorough investigations into both cases.
Families in Camps 2W and 15 said they hope for quick action to prevent similar incidents and ensure that their blocks remain safe during the coming months.
