A fire tore through a densely packed camp of Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, destroying over 1,000 shelters and leaving thousands homeless. The fire began late on Saturday night, rapidly spreading through Kutupalong camp in Ukhiya due to strong winds. Fire officials spent two hours trying to control the blaze, which was finally brought under control with the help of 10 fire units. Thankfully, there were no casualties reported, but the destruction has left refugees, including women and children, in a dire situation.

Zuhura Begum, a 65-year-old refugee, expressed the difficulties they are facing, saying they are now homeless and suffering from the severe cold after narrowly escaping the life-threatening fire. The United Nations' refugee agency, UNHCR, sent fire response volunteers to assist the firefighters in bringing the fire under control and assessing the extent of the damage. While the cause of the fire was not immediately clear, preliminary statements from refugees suggest it may have been started by a mud oven, which is a common cause of fires in refugee camps.

The Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have fled from Myanmar, where they face widespread discrimination and human rights abuses, including the recent confirmation by the United States of mass atrocities and a systematic campaign against the ethnic minority. The ongoing brutal oppression of the Rohingya in Myanmar has been described as genocide, making their return to the country impossible. The situation in Myanmar has continued to worsen, with a military takeover in 2021 leading to failed attempts to repatriate refugees. Bangladesh's Prime Minister has stated that the refugees will not be sent back by force, as conditions in Myanmar are not conducive for their safe return. The plight of the Rohingya refugees continues to highlight the urgent need for international aid and support.