A refugee camp for Rohingya in southern Bangladesh was engulfed by a massive fire on Sunday, leaving thousands of people homeless. According to a fire official and the United Nations, no casualties were reported immediately at the Balukhali camp in Cox’s Bazar district.
The UNHCR in Bangladesh stated in a tweet that Rohingya refugee volunteers were responding to the fire, with the agency and its partners providing support. However, no further details were provided.
Over several decades, more than one million Rohingya refugees have fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar, including about 740,000 who crossed the border starting in August 2017 when the Myanmar military launched a brutal crackdown. Despite attempts to send them back, conditions in Myanmar have worsened since a military takeover in 2021.
The fire at the Balukhali camp is yet another tragedy to befall the Rohingya community, who have faced persecution and displacement for decades. The camp was already overcrowded and lacked basic amenities, making it difficult for refugees to maintain a decent standard of living.
The fire has left thousands of people without shelter, food, and water. The UNHCR and its partners are working to provide emergency assistance to those affected by the fire. However, given the scale of the disaster and the already dire conditions in the camp, it is clear that much more needs to be done to support the Rohingya refugees.
The international community must step up its efforts to address the root causes of the Rohingya crisis and provide long-term solutions for those affected. This includes putting pressure on the Myanmar government to end its persecution of the Rohingya and create conditions for their safe return.
In addition, there is an urgent need to improve conditions in refugee camps in Bangladesh and provide refugees with access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities. This will require increased funding and support from the international community.
The Rohingya crisis is a humanitarian tragedy that demands urgent action. The fire at the Balukhali camp is a stark reminder of the ongoing suffering of the Rohingya people and the need for sustained efforts to address their plight.