Fires ravage refugee camps, wiping out vital medical facility and shelters amid ongoing humanitarian challenges.
Two separate fires hit Rohingya camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, within hours. The first Rohingya camp fire erupted around 10:00 PM on Thursday, December 25, 2025, destroying five shelters in Kutupalong Camp. The second struck a health centre early Friday, December 26, 2025. No deaths occurred, but damages run into crores of taka. Officials probe causes.
The incidents highlight vulnerabilities in crowded camps housing over one million Rohingya refugees. Such fires disrupt essential services, straining resources in South Asia’s largest refugee settlement.
Fire in Rohingya Camp: Incident Details
The initial fire in Rohingya camp started in Block B of Kutupalong Registered Rohingya Camp. It spread quickly through bamboo and tarpaulin structures. Firefighters contained it without injuries. At least five shelters burned down completely.
Hours later, another Rohingya camp fire broke out around 5:00 AM in Block D of Camp 4, Madhurchhara, Rajapalong Union. This blaze engulfed the Malaysia Hospital, a key health centre. Ukhiya Fire Service dispatched units. They controlled the fire by 7:30 AM with help from residents.
Dollar Tripura, station officer at Ukhiya Fire Service, said a unit worked to extinguish the fire. The cause will be determined after investigation.
Cox’s Bazar Rohingya Fire: Impacts on Refugees
The Cox’s Bazar Rohingya fire at the health centre destroyed medical equipment and infrastructure. The facility provided free care to Rohingya and locals since 2017. Obat Helpers USA established it as Obat Health Post. Later, camp administration and Human International USA supported operations.
Mahmudul Hasan Siddiqui Rashed, health coordinator for Obat Helpers Bangladesh, stated the centre was destroyed. The exact cause of the fire is still unknown. He noted it served both refugees and residents.
Refugee Mohammad Rafik expressed concern. It was one of our main sources of medical care.
The Ukhiya Rohingya fire left refugees without immediate health access. Preliminary estimates peg damages at several crores of taka.
No casualties reported in either fire in Rohingya camp. However, displaced families face harsh conditions. Camps rely on aid for rebuilding.
Ukhiya Rohingya Fire: Response Efforts
Fire service teams acted swiftly in the Ukhiya Rohingya fire. Local volunteers assisted in evacuation. Camp authorities coordinated relief.
Aid groups assess needs. Temporary shelters may house affected families. Health services shift to nearby facilities.
Previous fires in Rohingya camps show patterns. Dry seasons increase risks from cooking fires or electrical faults.
Background
Rohingya refugees fled Myanmar in 2017 amid violence. Over 700000 arrived in Bangladesh. Camps in Cox’s Bazar now host about 1.3 million. Fires occur frequently due to flammable materials.
In 2021, a major blaze killed 15 and displaced thousands. UNHCR reported over 9500 shelters destroyed then. Similar events in 2024 affected aid infrastructure.
Bangladesh government manages camps via Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner. International aid funds operations. Funding shortfalls persist. The 2025 Joint Response Plan seeks USD 852 million for support.
These Rohingya camp fire events compound challenges. Refugees face limited mobility and education. Host communities strain under pressure.
Aid cuts in 2025 reduced rations. MSF reported insecurity in camps. Stakeholders met in August 2025 to discuss solutions.
What’s Next
Investigations into the Rohingya camp fire causes continue. Fire service and camp officials will release findings. Rebuilding the health centre requires donor support.
UNHCR and partners plan fire prevention training. Enhanced patrols and equipment could reduce risks.
Long-term, repatriation talks with Myanmar stall. Bangladesh seeks global aid. The fires underscore urgent needs for safe housing.
As probes wrap up, affected refugees await aid. The Rohingya camp fire serves as a stark reminder of ongoing perils.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 26th, 2025
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