Call for Safety in Bangladesh Rohingya Refugee Camps After Fatal Fire
Suraj Sarkar ??
Water Resource Engineer | WaterGEMS l Civil 3D | Water Supply & Irrigation Systems
Kolkata, India — A devastating fire erupted in the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, on December 24, 2024, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals, including a child, and leaving over 4,000 people homeless.
The blaze destroyed more than 600 makeshift shelters, highlighting the precarious living conditions of the Rohingya refugees residing there.
Eighty-year-old Amena Khatun, one of the affected refugees, mourns the loss of her 60-year-old son, Abul Hair. "He was well and alive next to us, less than 24 hours ago," Khatun told VOA as she sat amidst the ashes of what once was her home. "And then, the fire broke out."
The Fire’s Aftermath
The fire began around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, rapidly spreading through the densely packed bamboo-and-tarpaulin shelters that comprise the camp. Firefighters, supported by civil defense and local volunteers, managed to bring the blaze under control after two hours.
In the chaos, Khatun’s son initially fled their shelter with his family. However, he returned to retrieve essential documents, only to be trapped behind the flames. "Our lives depend on the few documents we possess as stateless refugees," Khatun lamented. "But now, my son—a loving father of five—is gone along with the documents, all because of the sudden fire."
Safety Concerns in Overcrowded Camps
This incident underscores the vulnerabilities faced by Rohingya refugees living in camps like Kutupalong. The use of flammable materials for housing, lack of proper fire prevention systems, and overcrowding create a perilous environment. Fires are a recurring hazard in these camps, often resulting in loss of life and property.
In 2021, over 150 fires were reported in the Rohingya camps, with the largest incident killing at least 15 people and destroying approximately 10,000 shelters.
Since January 2021, there have been more than 200 fire incidents in the camps, including 60 cases of arson.
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Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called for improved safety measures, including the use of fire-resistant building materials, creation of more space between shelters, and better evacuation procedures. Despite international aid, the scale of the crisis makes implementation challenging.
A Call to Action
As the refugees grapple with the immediate aftermath of the fire, questions arise about the broader issues of safety and long-term solutions for stateless individuals. How can the international community and the Bangladesh government collaborate to ensure the safety and dignity of Rohingya refugees? Will this tragedy spur meaningful changes, or will the risks continue to grow?
The fire in Kutupalong serves as a stark reminder of the precarious existence faced by the Rohingya people and the urgent need for collective action to prevent further tragedies.
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