Ukhiya, Dec 27 (V7N) — Two separate fires broke out overnight at different locations inside Rohingya camps in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar, leaving a hospital completely destroyed and several shelters reduced to ashes. No casualties were reported in either incident.

The first and more severe fire erupted at around 5:00 am on Friday (Dec 26) at a hospital located in Block D of Camp-4 in Madhurchhara area under Rajapalong Union. Fire Service personnel, along with local residents of the block, worked for nearly two and a half hours to contain the blaze, which was brought under control around 7:30 am.

Although no one was injured, the hospital was completely gutted, and a large quantity of valuable medical equipment and supplies were destroyed. The facility, widely known among refugees as the “Malaysia Hospital,” had been serving Rohingya refugees and nearby local communities with free medical services.

The hospital was originally established in August 2017 by the charity organization Obat Helpers USA, following the influx of Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Myanmar. It is currently operated as a health service center by Obat Helpers Bangladesh with financial support from Human International USA, in coordination with the camp administration.

Obat Health Post’s Health Coordinator, Dr. Mahamudul Hasan Siddiqui Rashed, said the entire facility was destroyed in the sudden fire and that the exact cause has not yet been determined. He added that the health post played a crucial role in providing free healthcare services to Rohingya refugees and members of the host community.

The incident has caused distress among camp residents. Mohammad Rafique, a Rohingya living in the block, said the hospital had been a vital source of medical support for his family and others in the camp, and its destruction has left many worried about access to healthcare.

Preliminary estimates suggest that the financial loss from the fire may exceed several million taka. Ukhiya Fire Service Station Officer Dollar Tripura confirmed that a Fire Service unit responded promptly and that no injuries were reported. He said the cause of the fire would be determined after further investigation.

Earlier, on Thursday night (Dec 25) at around 10:00 pm, another fire broke out approximately four kilometers away in Block B of the Kutupalong registered Rohingya camp. In that incident, five shelters were burned down. Ukhiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nur Ahmed confirmed the incidents and said that no major damage or casualties were reported in the second fire.

Authorities are continuing their assessments, while camp officials have stressed the urgent need for enhanced fire safety measures inside the densely populated refugee camps.

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