Rohingya refugee settlements in Cox’s Bazar late last night.

Massive Fire Guts Hundreds of Shelters at Rohingya Camp 16 in Cox’s Bazar

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh  A massive fire swept through Shofiullah-Khata in Camp 16 of the Rohingya refugee settlements in Cox’s Bazar late last night, leaving hundreds of families homeless and destroying vital community facilities.

The fire broke out at approximately 02:40 AM and rapidly spread across four sub-blocks D1, D2, D3, and D4  fueled by strong winds, densely packed shelters, and highly flammable construction materials made of bamboo and tarpaulin.

According to initial damage assessments, the fire caused extensive devastation:

448 shelters were completely destroyed

451 shelters were partially damaged

One mosque was completely burned down

One learning center was destroyed

Ten NGO-supported learning centers were gutted.

The destruction has displaced hundreds of Rohingya families, many of whom lost all personal belongings, including food supplies, clothing, identification documents, and educational materials. Children, elderly persons, and women were among the most affected, as families fled their shelters in panic during the early hours of the morning.

Injuries Reported, No Fatalities

Camp sources confirmed that up to 30 Rohingya refugees were injured during the incident. Most injuries occurred while people were attempting to escape the fire, rescue children and elderly family members, or save limited belongings. Reported injuries include burns, cuts, and smoke inhalation.

Authorities and community leaders confirmed that no deaths were reported in the incident.

Emergency Response and Fire Control

Upon hearing alarms and witnessing the blaze, Rohingya Community Protection (CPP) fire service volunteers immediately responded and began evacuation and fire suppression efforts. Shortly afterward, multiple units from the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence arrived at the scene.

After nearly two hours of coordinated efforts, firefighters successfully brought the fire under control by approximately 04:30 AM, preventing it from spreading to neighboring blocks.

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed. Preliminary observations suggest the fire may have originated from a shelter or learning facility, possibly linked to cooking activities or an electrical source. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause.

Recurring Fire Risks in the Camps

Fire incidents are a recurring threat in the Rohingya refugee camps due to extreme overcrowding, narrow pathways, limited water access, and the widespread use of combustible shelter materials.

Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that without improved fire-prevention infrastructure, such incidents will continue to put lives at risk.

Humanitarian Needs and Next Steps

Relief agencies and camp authorities have begun assessing the full scale of the damage. Emergency assistance, including temporary shelter materials, food, clean water, medical support, and hygiene kits, is urgently needed. The destruction of learning centers also raises concerns about continued access to education for Rohingya children.

Community leaders have called on humanitarian organizations and the international community to provide immediate support to affected families and strengthen fire-prevention and emergency-response mechanisms in the camps.

The fire at Camp 16 underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by Rohingya refugees, who remain among the world’s most vulnerable populations. As families struggle to rebuild their lives once again, urgent action is required to address both immediate needs and long-term safety risks within the camps.

Report by Rohingya Political Journalist Saiful Arakani.