A devastating fire broke out at the Kutupalong Rohingya camp in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on Tuesday (December 24) at around 1 PM. The blaze started in Camp 1 of the Ukhiya camp complex and quickly spread to adjacent areas. Four fire service units rushed to the scene and began efforts to douse the flames.
Additionally, members of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn), local police, and volunteers assisted in firefighting operations.
Three hours later, authorities recovered a child’s charred body from the scene. Authorities have yet to determine the child’s identity, but they have confirmed that the fire claimed his life. Local representatives reported that the fire destroyed thousands of homes and shops within the camp.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Ukhiya Police Station, Arif Hossain, said, “A fire has broken out at Kutupalong camp. Firefighters are working to control the flames, but strong winds are causing the fire to spread rapidly. The cause of the fire is still unknown.”
Kamal, an NGO worker at the camp, recounted, “We were working in the office when we suddenly heard people screaming. When we went outside, we saw the fire. The polythene-built shelters and strong winds caused the flames to spread rapidly.”
By Rajin Saleh
Photo: Courtesy
