Tragedy strikes the Rohingya community as a devastating fire engulfs a camp in Ukhiya Upazila. Despite the destruction of 220 homes, there were fortunately no casualties reported.
 
A devastating fire erupted in the heart of the Kanthalatali market, nestled within the D-3 block of Tanzimarkhola Rohingya Camp-13 in Ukhiya Upazila this past Saturday, leaving in its wake a trail of destruction. With flames igniting around 1:30 pm, the inferno swiftly devoured 220 houses and nearby structures.
 
Firefighters from nine units, propelled by a fierce determination, battled the blaze tirelessly for an hour and a half. Their valiant efforts bore fruit as they managed to wrestle the flames into submission by 2:30 pm. The cause of the fire remains shrouded in mystery, despite confirmation of the incident by Armed Police Battalion (APBn) captain, Amir Zafar.
 
In a race against time, APBn police promptly alerted the Ukhiya Fire Service Station, catalyzing the swift deployment of two firefighting units to the scene. Thankfully, amidst the chaos and devastation, no casualties were reported. However, the toll on the Rohingya community is profound.
 
Atish Chakma, the deputy assistant director of the Cox's Bazar Fire Service, affirmed the successful containment of the fire, assuaging fears of further escalation. This calamity, unfortunately, is not an isolated incident, as just a few days prior, on May 24, another fire ravaged over 300 homes in the same vicinity, compounding the challenges endured by the Rohingya population.
 
In a commendable display of solidarity and swift action, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members leaped into action to assist in quelling the flames at Ukhiya Rohingya camp-13 in Cox’s Bazar. The fire, which erupted around 1 pm in Blocks D/1 and D/2 of the camp nestled in Palongkhali union, Ukhiya upazila, threatened the safety and security of hundreds of shanties.
 
Rapid response teams, comprised of members from Balukhali BOP and Palangkhali BOP, both integral parts of Cox's Bazar Battalion (34 BGB), descended upon the scene. Teaming up with firefighting units, they waged a relentless battle against the encroaching inferno, tirelessly working to evacuate residents and contain the conflagration. By 2:00 pm, their combined efforts, bolstered by the dedication of two firefighting units and BGB personnel, bore fruit as they successfully brought the blaze under control.
 
Lt Col Mohammad Iqbal Hossain, the Director (Operations) of Cox’s Bazar BGB Region Headquarters, lauded the collaborative efforts that led to the containment of the fire, underscoring the importance of unity and swift action in the face of adversity.
 
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