In a devastating incident on Sunday, a massive fire engulfed the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, leaving thousands of Rohingya refugees without shelter. The fire destroyed approximately 1,040 makeshift bamboo-and-plastic structures, resulting in the displacement of around 4,000 people, according to Bangladesh's refugee commissioner in Cox's Bazar. However, the local UNHCR office estimates that the number of homeless individuals may be as high as 7,000.

The blaze broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning, and it took firefighters approximately two hours, with the help of ten fire units from various stations in the district, to bring the fire under control. Fortunately, no deaths were reported from the incident.

Alongside the homes, the fire also caused damage to mosques, healthcare facilities, and educational centers within the refugee camp. The local authorities suspect that the fire may have been an act of arson, and an investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway.

Fires are not uncommon in the crowded and congested refugee camps of Cox's Bazar, particularly during the dry season from November to April. In 2021, one fire claimed the lives of 15 refugees, while another blaze in the previous year destroyed around 12,000 homes.

The Rohingya refugees, who are primarily Muslims, have been subjected to discrimination in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship and constitutional rights. They have faced severe persecution, with their plight being labeled as genocide. As a result, nearly one million Rohingya people sought refuge in Bangladesh following a military crackdown in 2017.

The UNHCR has expressed its concern and stated that the cause of the fire remains unknown. However, they have been assured by the government authorities that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the cause. In the meantime, the affected Rohingya refugees are now left to endure the hardships of homelessness and are struggling to cope with the cold weather.

The refugee camp has also been marred by internal violence between rival Rohingya groups, leading to more than 60 deaths in turf wars and drug-related clashes last year, as reported by the police.

As the Rohingya refugees continue to face ongoing suffering, efforts must be made to provide them with adequate shelter, resources, and security to ensure their well-being and safety.