Rohingya Crisis: How Does the Use of Fire Contribute to the ongoing Genocide?

The Rohingya people, a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority from Myanmar (formerly Burma), have faced decades of systemic persecution, including denial of citizenship, forced displacement, and targeted violence. In 2017, the crisis reached its peak when the Myanmar military launched what the United Nations described as a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing." Villages were razed, thousands were killed, and over 700,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh in search of safety.

Now residing in the world’s largest refugee settlement in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, the Rohingya community remains vulnerable—not only to overcrowding, disease, and limited resources but also to deliberate acts of violence. Among the most devastating threats they face is the recurring use of fire, which has become a grim symbol of their continued suffering.

Why the Fire? The Weaponization of Vulnerability

For displaced communities, fire represents a physical threat and a symbol of their unrelenting vulnerability. It destroys what little stability they have managed to reclaim, erasing their homes, belongings, and any semblance of normalcy.

The use of fire in refugee camps—whether as a weapon of hate or a result of systemic neglect—reinforces the global failure to protect those who have already endured so much. These tragedies highlight the urgent need for international attention, stronger protections for displaced communities, and accountability for those who perpetuate their suffering.

The Latest Fire: A Deliberate Act of Destruction

Just five days ago, on 17 January 2025, another devastating fire broke out in Refugee Camp-26 in Musoni, located within the sprawling Cox’s Bazar settlement. At least one Rohingya child has died and over 100 shelters destroyed, leaving hundreds of Rohingya families homeless once again. Camp-26, already teetering on the edge of sustainability, became a scene of chaos and despair as flames engulfed makeshift homes built from bamboo and tarpaulin.

The cause of the fire has sparked suspicions of foul play. Local reports suggest it may have been deliberately set—part of a pattern of incidents aimed at destabilising the refugee community. While investigations are ongoing, the recurring nature of such fires raises troubling questions about safety, protection, and accountability within the camps.

A Pattern of Destruction

This latest fire is not an isolated event. Fires have plagued the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar repeatedly over the years.

• March 2021: A massive blaze tore through several camps, killing at least 15 people, injuring hundreds, and leaving tens of thousands homeless.

• January 2022: Another fire destroyed over 1,000 shelters, displacing thousands in freezing winter conditions.

• December 2022: A series of smaller fires raised suspicions of coordinated arson, particularly in areas where tensions between groups within the camps were reported.

The frequency of these fires has led many to question whether they are accidents or part of a larger, targeted effort to harm an already vulnerable population.

The Need for Action

The world cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the plight of the Rohingya. The recent fire in Camp-26 is a stark reminder that their suffering did not end when they crossed the border into Bangladesh.

As a person whose family is from a war-torn country I understand the deep, generational scars left by displacement. And as the founder of What The Fire, I am committed to raising awareness about the intersection of fire and social justice.

The Rohingya have lost their homes, their loved ones, and their sense of safety. They deserve more than our sympathy—they deserve our action. Let us not let the flames of their suffering go unnoticed.

What The Fire is a platform dedicated to exploring the role of fire in our lives, raising awareness about fire safety, and amplifying voices from communities affected by fire-related tragedies. Follow us for more stories and insights.