United News of Bangladesh

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has said it continues to work closely with sector partners to scale up assistance and address urgent and evolving needs, stressing that fire risks remain high in the Rohingya camps. While immediate assistance continues, the latest incident underscores the persistent fire risks facing refugee communities in Cox’s Bazar, which hosts more than one million Rohingya refugees, it said. The fire risks remain high, particularly during the dry season, due to the dense layout of the camps and the use of highly flammable materials in temporary shelters, IOM said. It launched an emergency response following a large fire in a Rohingya refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar early Tuesday morning. Read more: Canada reaffirms commitment to dignity and justice for Rohingya Relief efforts are being carried out in close coordination with the Government of Bangladesh and humanitarian partners to ensure timely and appropriate assistance to affected families. “When fires strike in overcrowded camp settings, the impact extends far beyond damaged infrastructure,” said Lance Bonneau, IOM Chief of Mission in Bangladesh. “Families lose shelter, essential belongings, and access to basic services, increasing immediate protection risks. Our response is guided by a clear responsibility to protect lives, uphold dignity and ensure that those affected receive assistance quickly and safely, so families can begin to regain a sense of normalcy.” The fire affected more than 2,000 refugees, causing extensive damage to shelters and camp-based facilities. No fatalities or major injuries have been reported.  More than 400 shelters were damaged and camp infrastructure was severely impacted, including over 160 water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities such as water points and latrines, as well as 11 learning centres and two mosques. Beyond the destruction of shelters, the fire also destabilized the hillside terrain on which much of the camp is constructed, damaging drainage networks and public infrastructure, and increasing risks related to access and erosion. After the fire was contained, IOM deployed health teams and ambulances to support those with minor injuries and worked with partners to rapidly assess damage and immediate needs. Building on these assessments, IOM and its partners rapidly deployed specialized teams in shelter, WASH, and protection to support affected families. Within 24 hours of the incident, IOM’s camp management team, together with refugee volunteers, cleared debris from the fire-affected areas to restore safe access for emergency assistance and essential services. Over 49.5 lakh Bangladeshis internally displaced by natural disasters: IOM In coordination with the World Food Programme (WFP), emergency food assistance was provided, while affected households received emergency shelter assistance, blankets, floor mats, mosquito nets, and portable solar lights. Following previous devastating fires, including the March 2021 incident that displaced 45,000 people, IOM and humanitarian partners have continued to strengthen refugee-led emergency preparedness and response mechanisms to enable faster, safer, and more effective action when hazards occur.

A young man lost his right leg in a landmine explosion along the Teknaf border in Cox’s Bazar on Monday. The incident occurred around 10:30 am in the Hauserdip area of the Hoikkhong Lombabil border under Teknaf upazila, police said. The victim was identified as Mohammad Hanif, 22, son of Md Fazlul Haque of Lombabil under Ward No. 3 of Hoikkhong union. According to family members, Hanif went to a shrimp enclosure in the border area to catch fish when a landmine buried in the embankment exploded. The blast severed his right leg at the ankle and caused serious injuries to his left leg. Minor girl struck in cross-border gunfire in Cox’s Bazar Fazlul Haque said his son was rescued around noon with the help of locals and taken to the MSF Hospital in Kutupalong for treatment. Confirming the incident, sub-inspector Khokon Kanti Rudra, in-charge of Hoikkhong Police Outpost, said a landmine planted near the Bangladesh–Myanmar border exploded, leaving the youth injured. The injured was sent to hospital for medical treatment, he added.

A man killed as a fire that broke out on a St Martin’s Island-bound cruise ship at BIWTA jetty in Cox’s Bazar town on Saturday morning. The deceased was identified as Nur Kamal, 25, a staff of the vessel. Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operator Owners' Association of Bangladesh (SCOAB), said the fire broke out at the anchored the vessel,  Atlantic Cruise, around 7 am at the BIWTA jetty in Nuniachhara of Cox’s Bazar district town. “Smoke was seen billowing from inside the vessel and, within a short span, flames became visible,” he said. The fire erupted before any passengers had boarded the vessel. Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tanjila Sharmin said the fire incident occurred in the presence of the officials of the local administration who were stationed at the jetty area to monitor the boarding of tourists as per the government directives. Rooftop warehouse of shopping complex catches fire at Gulistan   On receiving information, three firefighting units rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze. The vessel was completely damaged by the fire. They also recovered the charred body of the  staff of the vessel from it, he said. Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Cox’s Bazar Md Shahidul Alam said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. A probe body was formed to look into the fire, he said adding some 180 passengers were supposed to go to Saint Martin by the ship. Bus set on fire after pedestrian killed in Cumilla  

The government of Bangladesh has taken a project aimed at strengthening the resilience and livelihoods of poor and marginal communities in Cox’s Bazar, one of Bangladesh’s most disaster-prone districts,  through sustainable, nature-based solutions. The project, titled “PRO-ACT Bangladesh – Resilience Strengthening through Agri-Food Systems Transformation in Cox’s Bazar,” will be implemented by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) under the Ministry of Agriculture and is set to run until June, 2028. With an estimated cost of Tk 53.01 crore, fully funded by foreign grants, the project seeks to improve food and income security, promote sustainable agriculture, and reduce disaster risks in four upazilas — Cox’s Bazar Sadar, Ramu, Ukhiya, and Teknaf. Under the initiative, 10,000 farmers will receive training and input support to cultivate nutrient-rich crops, while 600 families involved in aquaculture will be trained in modern fish-farming techniques. Besides, 1,050 farmers will be supported in toxin-free dry fish processing including branding and market access development. Read more: Access to credit for agri sector can enhance food security: Bangladesh Bank Governor The project also envisions creating five agricultural aggregation centres to boost market connectivity and promote ICT-based agricultural extension services. Local service providers and farmers’ groups will be trained on financial literacy, digital tools, and business planning to improve access to agricultural credit and strengthen value chains. To enhance disaster preparedness, communities will receive training on the Landslide Early Warning System (LEWS) and crop-based land use maps will be developed to integrate disaster risk reduction into agricultural planning. According to the Planning Commission, the project will play a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and addressing the environmental degradation worsened by the Rohingya refugee influx — including deforestation, land erosion, and waterlogging. Funded by the European Union and implemented in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Forest Department, and Department of Fisheries, PRO-ACT Bangladesh focuses on restoring ecosystems and strengthening the adaptive capacities of vulnerable populations. With a target to reach more than 54,000 beneficiaries, including smallholder farmers, women, and marginalised groups, the initiative aims to transform Cox’s Bazar’s agri-food systems through climate-smart agriculture, sustainable resource management, and inclusive economic opportunities. Officials said the project aligns with Bangladesh’s long-term climate adaptation goals and underscores the government’s commitment to building a resilient future in the face of worsening climate challenges. Read more: Bangladesh's food security at risk as farmland shrinks by 3.75 percent in 8 Years: BBS Survey Cox’s Bazar is facing frequent exposure to a wide range of natural hazards and extreme weather conditions such as cyclones, heavy rainfall, landslides, flash floods and  storm surges. In recent years, the district has been particularly vulnerable to recurring landslides and cyclones. The severity of these disasters is worsened by widespread poverty and the limited coping capacity of local communities — with about 33 percent of the district’s population living below the poverty line, according to UNDP. Since 2017, Cox’s Bazar has also hosted around one million Rohingya refugees, which has significantly increased the population at risk. The influx has contributed to new environmental and safety challenges, including deforestation, hill-cutting, and mounting pressure on infrastructure. Because of overcrowded settlements, hilly terrain, and temporary housing conditions, Rohingya families are particularly susceptible to severe weather events. Read more: Dream project derails; Khulna-Mongla railway struggles without freight flow

Five members of a family were killed and two others injured in a head-on collision between a passenger bus and a microbus in Chakaria upazila of Cox’s Bazar district on Wednesday (5th November 2025). Four women and one child are among the deceased but their identities could not be ascertained immediately, police said. Officer-in-charge Mehedi Hasan of Malumghat Highway Police Station said the accident occurred around 9am on the busy Cox’s Bazar-Chattogram highway to the south end of Fashiakhali Hasher Dighi Army Camp in Malumghat area under the upazila. 2 women among 5 killed in Noakhali road accident The Chattogram-bound bus of ‘Marsa Paribahan’ collided with the Cox’s Bazar-bound microbus, leaving two dead on the spot and five others injured, he said. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital where physicians declared three dead, the OC said, adding that the rest injured are undergoing treatment at the hospital. Details of the accident are still awaited, the police officer added. Read more: Highway horror under Cumilla region; 525 killed in 9 months

Undeterred by infrastructural and administrative challenges, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is pressing ahead with its plan to begin overseas flights from Cox’s Bazar International Airport by the end of July. Although nearly 40 percent of the airport’s expansion work remains incomplete and complications persist over land acquisition, eviction of thousands of residents, funding shortfalls, and a lack of clearance from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), CAAB has reportedly begun preparatory work to facilitate international operations. According to CAAB sources, the decision to move forward was taken at a special meeting chaired by the then CAAB Chairman on April 21 this year. Ongoing Challenges · Construction of the airport terminal building is still nine months away from completion. · Around 3,300 families continue to reside on airport land and have yet to be evicted. · Acquisition of 4.64 acres of essential land remains pending. As ICAO approval has neither been sought nor granted, launching international flights would technically breach global aviation norms. Although an additional expenditure of nearly Tk 100 crore has been incurred, the government has yet to release the funds. CAAB is currently lobbying top government officials to address the issue. Infrastructural Progress  Notably, of the 1,700-foot runway extension into the sea, 1,300 feet lies over water—96 percent of this extension and 94 percent of the protective embankment have been completed. Ctg airport flight operations halted for 2 hours after Biman glitch Installation of the precision approach lighting system and a steel bridge is 83 percent finished, while drainage infrastructure stands at 55 percent. However, only 26 percent of the perimeter wall and patrol roads have been completed. Upon full completion, the airport runway will expand from its existing 9,000 feet to 10,700 feet. Future Prospects The airport will feature a state-of-the-art Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) system enabling safe night-time operations. Its architectural design includes illuminated pavements, flood management infrastructure, and aesthetic lighting along the seafront. Recently transferred CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman told UNB, “We are working with determination for the country’s development. Even though some tasks are pending, we are trying to launch international flights soon. Hopefully, we will be able to do so within a short period.” He went on to say, “Efforts to upgrade Cox’s Bazar Airport to international standards are underway. Despite some infrastructural and administrative challenges, we are working under the Prime Minister’s directive to launch international flights as soon as possible.” Highlighting the urgency of the project, the former chairman said, “The terminal building, runway extension, security infrastructure and lighting systems are all progressing rapidly. An advanced AGL system will be installed for night operations, meeting international standards.” Turkish Airlines flight makes emergency landing at Dhaka airport “Over 3,000 families still need to be evicted and some crucial plots are pending acquisition. However, we are coordinating with the relevant agencies on these matters. Though project costs have risen, and Tk 100 crore remains due, the government is assisting us. We hope the funds will be released soon,” he added. “We are committed to overcoming any challenge and turning Cox’s Bazar Airport into an international-standard facility. It will serve not only the tourism industry but also act as a key hub for regional connectivity,” he added. Project Background The initiative to transform Cox’s Bazar Airport into a regional hub and an alternative air connectivity centre during natural disasters was taken over a decade ago. Delays, delays in land acquisition and eviction, financial constraints, and planning inconsistencies have hampered timely execution. Project Cost The estimated cost of the project is Tk 1,794.31 crore, entirely financed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh.

Cox’s Bazar, the world’s longest natural sea beach is witnessing a massive surge in tourists as the extended Eid-ul-Fitr holidays bring in thousands of visitors. The sandy shores of Laboni Point, Sugandha Point, and Kolatoli Point are teeming with holidaymakers, creating a vibrant carnival-like ambiance. Tourists are indulging in various beach activities—some riding the waves on jet skis, others floating on inflatable tubes, while families and friends relax under colorful umbrellas, savoring the tranquil ocean breeze. Hotels Nearly Full Booked Abul Kashem Sikder, President of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel, Motel, and Guesthouse Owners’ Association, said around 90% of accommodations in more than 500 hotels, motels, and resorts were booked in advance. Sylhet braces for 15 lakh tourists this Eid amid booming business prospects “Our establishments can host up to 187,000 guests per day, and the demand is exceptionally high this Eid season,” Sikder said. Robin, a tourist from Dhaka, said Cox’s Bazar is the top destination for Eid holidaymakers as it offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation by the sea. Enhanced Safety Measures for Tourists To ensure a safe beach experience, the Sea Safe Lifeguard organisation has deployed 27 trained lifeguards at Sugandha, Kolatoli, and Laboni Points—the busiest sections of the beach. Imtiaz Ahmed, Field Team Manager of Sea Safe Lifeguard, said, “Our teams are on high alert, and we are running awareness campaigns to prevent accidents during sea bathing.” Sajek, Khagrachhari open to tourists after month-long restriction Additional DIG Apel Mahmud of Cox’s Bazar Tourist Police said help desks have been set up at key points, and patrols have been intensified in coordination with district police to ensure security. “Our goal is to ensure that every tourist enjoys a safe and hassle-free vacation and returns home with happy memories,” he added.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived at the Rohingya refugee camp in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, as part of his visit to Bangladesh. He is set to participate in various programmes throughout the day, engaging with refugees and humanitarian organisations. Count on UN to help build sustainable, equitable future for all: Guterres tells Dr Yunus Later in the day, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is expected to visit the camp before iftar to join the UN chief. Their discussions are likely to focus on the ongoing challenges faced by Rohingya refugees and the support needed for their well-being.

A man was killed and over 50  people were injured during an “attack  by miscreants” at Samity Para near the Bangladesh Air Force base in Cox’s Bazar on Monday. The deceased was identified as Shihab Kabir Nahid, 30, son of former Primary Teachers' Training Institute (PTI) superintendent Nasir Uddin, 30, said Ahsan Habib Polash, deputy inspector general of the Chattogram Range of the police.   According to the Inter Services Public Relations, some miscreants launched a ‘surprise’ attack on the Air Force Base on Monday. The Bangladesh Air Force is taking necessary steps in this regard, the ISPR release added. Miscreants attack Air Force base in  Cox’s Bazar: ISPR Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin said a man with bullet injuries was admitted to Sadar Hospital who was declared dead by doctors. Besides, five others are undergoing treatment at the same hospital. “A thorough investigation is underway, and discussions will be held with both parties to determine the cause of the incident," he added. Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital superintendent Dr Mong Ting also confirmed the death. Locals alleged that tensions escalated following a dispute over land acquisition for the expansion of Cox’s Bazar airport. Akhter Kamal, a resident of Samity Para area, said a meeting was scheduled between BAF members and representatives of local people at the deputy commissioner’s office to discuss the relocation of affected residents. Around noon, when some locals, including one Md Jahid, were going to attend the meeting, BAF personnel stopped them at a checkpoint near Diabetic Point in the town. An argument ensued between Jahid and the Air Force members, he said. More people gathered there and protested the incident, triggering the clash, he said. Shahjahan, another resident, claimed that during the clash Air Force personnel fired shots to disperse the crowd, leaving several injured. Shihab was later rushed to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Shihab’s father, Nasir Uddin, demanded justice for his son’s killing, calling for an impartial investigation into the incident.

Country’s first-ever 200-kilometer Coastal Ultra Maratho’ 2025 beginning on Thursday (February 20) at the tourist town of Cox’s Bazar. The three-day Coastal Ultra (Marathon)’ 2025, organized by Voluntary organization Coastal Ultra Bangladesh, with a slogan of “save the sea, save the planet” will be held at the Marin Drive Road of Cox’s Bazar from February 20 to 22.  Dhaka International Marathon a symbol of global solidarity: CAS General Waker-uz-Zaman Ultra Marathon or Ultra Run is a long distance run, 42.20-kilometer more than marathon race and minimum of which was 50 kilometers race. Some 400 foreign and local athletes will compete in four categories of races -–50 kilometers, 100 kilometers, 100 miles and 200 kilometers, under the co-operation of Bangladesh Athletics Federation, Bangladesh Tourism Board and Cox’s Bazar District Administration.