The Arakan Rohingya National Organisation (ARNO) expresses its condolences to our brothers and sisters who have lost their temporary shelters in Camp 5. Around 12:45, a fire started in Camp 5. The fire destroyed approximately 774 shelters and 12 learning facilities. The UNHCR has estimated that 7,000 people have been made homeless as a result of the fires.
Thanks to the prompt response by the Camp in Charge Officer, volunteer firefighters, Department of Fire Service and Civil Defense, and representatives of the APBn, the fire was contained by 4 AM, and there were no reported fatalities.
This morning, it has been reported that several organisations have begun working with refugees who are now without shelter. The World Food Programme began distributing food for people today as it has done so before in the past when Rohingya were impacted by fires.
ARNO calls upon officials in Bangladesh to investigate the cause of the fire. ARNO notes that the fires have been a regular occurrence since 2021 and last year it was reported that 12,000 were left homeless, 2,800 shelters and more than 90 facilities including hospitals and learning centres were destroyed. An investigative panel determined it was a “planned act of sabotage.”
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Mohammad Habib Ullah
Email: arno@rohingya.org/ info@rohingya.org