Foreign-Affairs
Maldives sends message of sympathy over Rohingya camp fire
Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has sent a message of sympathy to his Bangladesh counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen, MP, following the devastating fire that blazed through the Rohingya refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar recently.
“I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear the tragic news of the massive fire that swept through the Balukhali camp in Cox’s Bazar on Monday, causing loss of lives, destroying homes, and displacing thousands of refugees," he said on Wednesday.
Also read: Rohingya camp fire: Death toll climbs to 11
The government and the people of the Maldives, joined him in conveying their profound sympathy and condolences to the government and the people of Bangladesh, and the Rohingyas directly impacted by this tragic incident, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives.
Also read: Rohingya camp fire: Humanitarian community calls for compassion
"I sincerely hope that the efforts of the response teams continue swiftly and successfully, and wish speedy recovery for those affected by this calamity," the message reads.
President hosts Bhutan PM at Bangabhaban
President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday emphasised exploring new areas of cooperation with neighbouring country Bhutan, including Information Communication and Technology ( ICT), agriculture, horticulture, and fisheries.
He made the remarks during a meeting with the visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering at his office.
"Excellent cooperation exists between the two countries in the areas of trade and commerce, connectivity, education, cultural exchange, people to people contacts, tourism. The two sides can explore new areas of cooperation, especially, in Information Communication and Technology ( ICT), agriculture, horticulture, and fisheries," Press secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB.
Recalling the support of Bhutan and its people during the 1971 Liberation War, President Hamid expressed his gratitude to the Bhutanese government and its people.
"Bhutan is a very faithful friend of Bangladesh," Hamid mentioned, adding that Bangladesh has excellent bilateral relations with Bhutan and this existing relationship is increasing day by day.
Bangladesh President thanked the Bhutanese prime minister for attending the twin mega celebrations -Bangladesh independence's golden jubilee and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman amid the changed situation due to the pandemic COVID-19.
Also read: I'm here to hear Bangladesh story sitting next to Hasina: Bhutanese PM
Tshering arrived here yesterday morning on a three-day official visit to attend the two historic mega celebrations.
The President also gave special thanks to the Bhutanese government and its people for arranging different programme in his country, on the occasion of Bangladesh's independence jubilee and Bangabandhu's birth centenary celebrations as they lit a thousand lamps and also released commemorative stamps on the occasion.
Before starting the bilateral talks, the Bhutanese premier also presented the commemorative stamps to President Hamid.
Also read: Bangladesh, Bhutan to examine rail network through India
Dr Tshering thanked the Bangladesh government for inviting him on the auspicious occasion.
The Bhutanese prime minister lauded Bangladesh's tremendous progress in different sectors, especially in socio-economic sector and women empowerment in Bangladesh under the charismatic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujon was present while secretaries concerned to the foreign ministry and Bangabhaban, among others, were present on the occasion.
Connectivity: Bangladesh’s unique location "offers opportunity for all”
Bangladesh has said regional connectivity is one of the most important means of trade and that Bangladesh’s unique geographical location in the region provides an opportunity for all countries in the SAARC, BIMSTEC and BCIM to be connected by road.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came up with the view during her conversation with her Bhutanese counterpart Dr Lotay Tshering.
She reiterated the offer to Bhutan for full access to Bangladesh’s seaports, according to a joint statement between Bangladesh and Bhutan issued on Wednesday night.
The Prime Ministers noted the substantial progress made in the past towards signing an MoU among Bangladesh, Bhutan and India on trilateral cooperation in hydroelectricity.
In order to move forward, they agreed that a Secretary-level meeting among the three countries should take place at an early date.
They also decided to explore the possibility of bilateral cooperation in this sector.
Dr Tshering thanked the government of Bangladesh for its support towards the establishment of the Third International Internet Gateway and Bhutan’s proposal to purchase bandwidth from Bangladesh, which will ensure the reliability of internet and communications for Bhutan.
The discussions between the agencies concerned of the two governments are at an advanced stage and he expressed the hope that the two sides will soon be able to agree on a rate that is mutually acceptable.
Also read: I'm here to hear Bangladesh story sitting next to Hasina: Bhutanese PM
The two Prime Ministers agreed to explore the possibilities of rail connectivity between Bangladesh and Bhutan through the recently inaugurated Chilahati-Haldibari rail interlink between Bangladesh and India.
The Prime Minister of Bhutan, who arrived on March 23 on a state visit, is scheduled to leave here for home on Thursday morning. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will see him off at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Dr Tshering paid the visit as the Special Representative of Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, King of Bhutan, to celebrate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence.
He was accompanied by senior officials of the Royal government of Bhutan and a cultural delegation.
The visit of Dr Tshering to Bangladesh at a time of the global pandemic is an exceptional gesture of friendship and goodwill that so happily exist between the two countries.
He laid a floral wreath at the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar as a mark of respect to the memory of the sacrifices of the great freedom fighters of Bangladesh.
He also visited the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum to pay tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Dr Tshering paid a courtesy call on President Abdul Hamid.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hosted a banquet in honour of Dr Lotay Tshering.
Also read: PM for building infrastructures to reap highest benefits from PTA
Foreign Minister Dr Momen met Prime Minister of Bhutan at the latter’s place of residence on March 23.
Dr Tshering delivered the Bangabandhu Memorial Lecture at the National Parade Ground as a special guest at the programme organised to celebrate the birth centenary of Bangabandhu.
The official discussions between Bangladesh and Bhutan were held at the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday in a warm and cordial atmosphere reflecting the time-tested friendship between the two countries.
During the official discussions, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh recalled with gratitude the invaluable support of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and the people of Bhutan towards Bangladesh’s fight for independence.
In commemoration of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence, the two Prime Ministers paid tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the valiant freedom fighters, 3 million martyrs, and two hundred thousand women and children who suffered oppression during the war.
The two Prime Ministers recognised with deep satisfaction the manner in which the historic ties between Bhutan and Bangladesh have evolved over the years into a mutually beneficial relationship.
They stated the kinship, which is based on goodwill, friendship and understanding, is an example of good neighborliness, mutual respect, and cooperation.
Taking note of the challenges imposed by the ongoing pandemic, the two Prime Ministers congratulated each other for successful, effective, and timely initiatives taken by the respective governments.
Dr Tshering expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the government of Bangladesh for the support rendered to Bhutan during the pandemic, including the provision of medical supplies.
The two Prime Ministers expressed happiness that both Bhutan and Bangladesh are well on track to graduate from the club of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in 2023 and 2024 respectively despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Both sides expressed satisfaction at the recent signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
They, however, noted that bilateral trade has been severely affected by the pandemic and that all-out efforts must be made to overcome the setbacks.
Also read: Bangladesh, Bhutan to examine rail network through India
The two Prime Ministers emphasized holding the Commerce Secretary Level Meeting (CSLM) and Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) as soon as possible, and amend the SOP on the use of inland waterways, and finalise the Protocol to the Transit Agreement on a priority basis.
The two leaders emphasised the need for enhanced private sector cooperation, for which the Chambers of Commerce should come up with innovative ways of doing business.
They also encouraged importers and exporters of Bangladesh and Bhutan to use the riverine route for the transport of goods as a viable alternative to road links.
As a special gesture of goodwill and friendship, and as part of the celebrations of 50 years of Bhutan’s recognition of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided to provide Bhutan internet bandwidth at a friendly rate
Following up on the decision taken during Prime Minister Tshering’s visit in April 2019, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed happiness at the fact that a total of 19 physicians and surgeons have joined various hospitals in Bhutan, and are serving there with good reputation.
They expressed happiness that an increasing number of Bhutanese students are choosing Bangladesh as their preferred destination for undergraduate studies, particularly in medicine.
Bangladesh agreed to increase the number of annual MBBS quota seats for Bhutanese students from 15 (fifteen) to 20 (twenty).
It has also been decided that Bangladesh will issue multiple entry visa to Bhutanese students for full duration of their study subject to the validity of their passports.
The Prime Ministers viewed that the cultural cooperation between the two countries should be further strengthened in order to promote people-to-people contact, and that, in commemoration of the 50th year of our friendship, the two countries should exchange cultural delegations.
Dr Tshering expressed his deep appreciation for the cordial welcome and warm hospitality extended to him and the members of his delegation during their stay in Bangladesh.
He extended invitations to the Hon’ble President and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit Bhutan.
Delhi to bolster defence ties with Dhaka during Modi's visit
India and Bangladesh will strengthen bilateral defence and security ties and are also likely to ink a number of pacts during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day state visit to Dhaka, the Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.
Modi will visit Bangladesh on March 26-27 to attend the golden jubilee celebrations of the country's independence and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Indian PM is also slated to visit Gopalganj’s Tungipara area, Bangabandhu's birthplace.
“Both sides will be signing a range of agreements during Modi's visit. These agreements will be covering a number of areas of our cooperation -- disaster management, oceanography and trade," Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla told the media in New Delhi.
Also read: Modi due Friday as main attraction of 10-Day celebration
"A number of new announcements -- bolstering cooperation in areas ranging from health, railway connectivity, border development and start-ups -- are also expected to be made," he added.
Talks on bolstering defence and security cooperation between the two countries are also on the agenda of Modi's meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to the top Indian diplomat.
Also read: Bangabandhu's vision lights Dhaka-Delhi friendship: Modi
"Security and defence is an important part of our cooperation with Bangladesh. We have in recent years signed an agreement on defence cooperation with Bangladesh and undertaken joint military, training and capacity building exercises on a regular basis," Shringla said.
"It is a regular practice for chiefs of our armed forces to visit Bangladesh. We have excellent defence cooperation between our countries. As we go along, we will continue to add more and more depth and momentum to that relationship,” the Indian Foreign Secretary added.
Also read: Modi's visit to highlight priority attached to Bangladesh: South Block
On bilateral relations, Shringla said, "Ties between the two countries have no parallel. Indian soldiers had fought and were killed alongside Bangladeshis for independence."
India and Bangladesh share a 4,096-kilometre-long international border, the fifth-longest land border in the world. Both countries also share historical, civilisation and cultural ties.
Jaago gets Japanese fund of Tk20 lakh
Japan has extended a grant of around Tk20 lakh to Jaago Foundation Trust through its Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGHSP). Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki on Wednesday signed "grant contracts" for GGHSP with Jaago Foundation Trust Chairman Korvi Rakshand.
Jaago has been awarded the grant for "The Project for Providing Bus Service for the Students and the Community Teachers in Bandarban District."
Bangladesh, Bhutan to examine rail network through India
Bangladesh and Bhutan have agreed to explore a possible railway network between the two countries through recently launched India’s Chilahati-Haldibari railway connection.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Bhutanese counterpart Dr Lotay Tshering agreed to examine the matter to establish railway network between Bangladesh and Bhutan.
He was briefing reporters at Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday.
Also read: Bangladesh wants enhanced connectivity with Bhutan: FM
The two Prime Ministers also agreed to examine the possibility of establishing cargo flight communication connecting Bhutanese town Gelephu and Bangladesh’s Lalmonirhat and Saidpur, Dr Momen said.
He said the two Prime Ministers agreed to cooperate in the area of hydroelectric power among Bangladesh, Bhutan and India.
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh and Bhutan signed Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) on December 6 last year and the two sides believe it will help expand trade between the two countries.
The two countries laid emphasis on holding Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) and Secretary-level talks between the two countries.
Also read: Aiming to utilise neighbouring leaders’ visits towards better connectivity, relations: FM
The Bhutanese Prime Minister joined the celebration at National Parade Square as the guest of honoor. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received him on his arrival there.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the recognition of the independence of Bangladesh by Bhutan and the friendship between the two countries. On 6th December 1971, Bhutan became the first country to recognise the independence of Bangladesh.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said Bangladesh wants enhanced connectivity with Bhutan through air and railway to reap economic benefits mutually.
Dr Momen met visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering at his hotel's presidential suite and discussed the issues.
Also read: Bangladesh promoting culture of peace following Bangabandhu’s philosophy: FM
The Bhutanese Prime Minister considers Bangladesh as his second home where he embraced his dream of becoming a doctor and learned the traits of saving lives.
This time, according to Bhutan’s Prime Minister’s Office, he is an emissary carrying special prayers of The King and love of the people of Bhutan.
Hasina to South Asian leaders: Work together for common prosperity
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday urged the South Asian leaders to work together to build a prosperous South Asia.
“At this auspicious moment of celebrating the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation and the Golden Jubilee of our Independence, I call upon the political leaders and policymakers of South Asia to work hand in hand to build a peaceful and prosperous South Asia,” she said.
The Prime Minister said this while addressing a programme arranged at the city’s National Parade Square, marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence.
Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering was present at the event as the guest of honour.
Sheikh Hasina said South Asia is a home to about a quarter of the world population. As much as there are challenges, there are a lot of possibilities as well in this region. The people of this region possess unbelievable spirit, innovation, and the ability to survive against natural disasters.
“We can easily improve the fate of the people of South Asia by utilising the resources we’ve been endowed through exhibiting mutual cooperation. If we work together for the betterment of our people, South Asia will surely be flourished as one of the most prosperous regions in the world,” she said.
“In Bangladesh, we’re working relentlessly to establish the hunger- poverty-free non-communal ‘Golden Bangladesh’ of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” she said.
The Prime Minister said Bangladesh has already received the final recommendation to shift from a Least Developed Country to developing country status.
She said Bangladesh will be a higher-middle income country by 2031 and a developed and prosperous one by 2041.
Sheikh Hasina, also the eldest daughter of Bangabandhu, said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rashman not only fought for the political and economic freedom of the people of Bangladesh but also dreamed of the emancipation of all the oppressed and deprived fraction of people of the world.
Also read: PM Hasina welcomes her Bhutanese counterpart Dr Tshering at Dhaka airport
“He (Bangabandhu) was respectful of peaceful co-existence and regional integrity. He believed that any problem could be solved through mutual cooperation,” she said.
Dhaka, a place of reunion
Noting that the 10-day programme from 17 to 26 March, 2021 with the theme ‘Mujib Eternal’ is being held in the Dhaka, the Bangladesh PM said Dhaka has become a place of reunion for South Asian leaders centering this event.
Bangladesh-Bhutan ties
Sheikh Hasina said Bhutan is a very close neighbor and friendly-country of Bangladesh. “Apart from the geographical proximity, we’ve almost identical history and tradition. Our position on various international and regional issues is characterised by uniqueness and similarity in all aspects. We’ve always been extending support and cooperation to each other,” she said.
She said the people-to-people contact between the two countries dates back to time immemorial. Mahasiddha Tilopa, who preached Buddhism in Tibet and Bhutan, was born in the 10th century in Bangladesh territory.
In the great Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971, late third King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and the Bhutanese people not only supported the freedom-loving Bengalis but also extended necessary help as much as they could. The Bhutanese youth volunteered in various refugee camps in India to serve injured and sick Bengali refugees, she said.
Bhutan is the first among all countries to recognise independent Bangladesh. Before achieving the final victory on 16 December 1971, Bhutan formally recognized Bangladesh on the 6th of December, she added.
“We gratefully recollect the contribution of the people of Bhutan. We awarded His Excellency Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third King of Bhutan, with the ‘Bangladesh Liberation War’ accolade in 2012 for his outstanding contribution to the great liberation war of Bangladesh,” she added.
The PM said cooperation between Bangladesh and Bhutan in the fields of trade, commerce, communication, tourism, education and others is continuously growing. A significant number of Bhutanese students are pursuing higher education, including in medicine, in various universities of Bangladesh, she said.
“Our guest of honor today, Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering studied medicine at Mymensingh Medical College. It’s a matter of great pride for us. We’re honoured to be a partner in Bhutan’s human resource development,” she said.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen delivered the welcome speech, while former foreign minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, MP and noted political scientist Dr Rounaq Jahan was the keynote speaker and she spoke on ‘‘Bangabandhu: Pioneer of Peace, Freedom and Humanity.’
Also read: Bangladesh achieved enviable successes in socio-economic indicators: PM Hasina
At the event, the Bhutanese Prime Minister handed over a memorial postal stamp to Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of the 50 years of Bangladesh-Bhutan diplomatic relation.
Dr. Lotay Tshering was honoured with Eternal Mujib Memento. Former Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, MP handed over the memento to the guest of the honour.
President of France Emmanuel Macron, President of Italy Sergio Mattarella and President of European Council Charles Michel sent congratulatory messages on the occasion of the grand celebration.
French and Italian Ambassadors in Dhaka read out the messages of their respective Presidents, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam read out Michel’s message.
The video messages of Pope Francis and President of Indian National Congress Sonia Gandhi were screened in the discussion, which was followed a cultural soiree.
Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accompanied by Sheikh Rehana received the Bhutanese Prime Minister at the venue.
Modi due Friday as main attraction of 10-Day celebration
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the main attraction of the ongoing twin mega celebrations, will arrive here on Friday as the two countries plan for taking the time-tested historical relations to a new height with focus on all areas of cooperation.
Briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said the biggest attraction is “Mujib Borsho” and 50 years of Bangladesh’s Independence and the visit will mainly focus on the joint celebrations.
Also read:Vaccine gift a sign of Hasina-Modi strong ties: FM
He said they are still in negotiations and a number of MoUs have been finalised on major issues. “I can’t tell the exact number at this moment.”
Responding to a question on Teesta issue, the Foreign Minister said the two countries agreed on signing the Teesta Water sharing deal in 2011 but it could not be signed, delivered and implemented. “You know the reason.”
He said they always remain hopeful that the Teesta deal will be signed one day.
During the virtual Summit in December last year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted the need for early signing of interim agreement for sharing the Teesta waters, as agreed upon by both the governments in 2011.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s sincere commitment and continued efforts of the government of India to that end.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen said they are working to make the relations stronger saying any issue can be resolved if the relations remain good.
He said Bangladesh and India share 54 common rivers and they are now discussing on six major rivers apart from Teesta.
Also read:Hasina, Modi to meet virtually in December: FM
Bangladesh and India stressed the need for early conclusion of Framework of Interim Agreement on sharing of waters of six joint rivers, namely, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar.
Modi's Engagements
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive on Friday morning by a special flight on a two-day official visit. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will receive her Indian counterpart upon his arrival in Dhaka.
The Indian Prime Minister will receive 19 gun salutes and will be given the guard of honour.
He will visit National Martyrs Memorial at Savar and Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the city to pay tributes to Liberation War martyrs and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Modi will place wreaths and plant sapling at the National Martyrs Memorial and will sign visitors’ book there.
He will also place wreaths on the portrait of Bangabandhu at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum and sign the visitors’ book there.
The Indian Prime Minister will attend the National Parade Ground programme on Friday afternoon. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, among others, will join.
He will jointly inaugurate Bangabandhu-Bapu Museum and attend state banquet preceded by a cultural programme hosted by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Modi will have one-to-one meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart and will hold bilateral talks at the Prime Minister’s Office. He will also meet President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban.
$ 20mn required to respond to urgent needs after Rohingya camps fire: IOM
International Organization for Migration (IOM) has pledged US$ 1 million from its emergency fund to the relief efforts after the Rohingya camps fire and it said further US$ 20 million is required to respond to the most urgent needs.
The massive fire swept through three IOM-managed sites Monday displacing roughly 45,000 Rohingya refugees and causing catastrophic damage in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, the world’s largest refugee camp.
Also read:Dhaka seeks proactive global support to end Rohingya crisis
More than 10,000 shelters were damaged in the fire and the largest health centre in the camp was destroyed.
The loss of the 24/7 health centre, which served more than 55,000 people in the last year, now further complicates the challenge of responding to COVID-19, IOM said.
The fire that raged through the camps only slowed once it reached the main roads, slopes, canals and rice fields.
It has since subsided, but not before consuming essential facilities, shelters and the personal belongings of tens of thousands of people.
Also read:IOM, UK EMT continue Covid health support for Rohingyas
The cause of the fire is still unknown.
According to humanitarian agencies and local authorities, 11 people have lost their lives, more than 500 people have been injured and roughly 400 are still missing.
“This disaster is a terrible setback that exacerbates the humanitarian needs of refugees in Cox’s Bazar,” said IOM’s Director General António Vitorino.
"We will need to start from zero to rebuild. Our hearts are with all those affected. We are committed to helping them build back safer with the support of the government of Bangladesh, our donors, partners and humanitarian actors.”
In the immediate aftermath, government response services, including the fire brigade, the army and humanitarian agencies rushed to the area to put out the fire.
Rohingya camp fire: Humanitarian community calls for compassion
The humanitarian community has called for compassion for Rohingyas in Bangladesh as a massive fire ravaged through camps leaving thousands destitute.
"We’re calling for a show of compassion and solidarity towards the Rohingya refugee population during this very difficult time," the community said in a joint press statement on Tuesday night.
Inter Sector Coordination Group (ISCG) issued the joint press statement.
It said they are deeply concerned about the safety and wellbeing of tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh left destitute by the fire that raged through four camps on March 22.
Fire services and civil defence, emergency and response teams and aid agencies rushed to the areas affected by the fire and helped move refugees to safer locations, the statement reads.
"Tragically, reports from the camps indicate that at least 11 people are said to have lost their lives in the fire and more than 500 others have been injured. Around 400 people are unaccounted for," it said.
Also read: Rohingya camp fire: Death toll climbs to 11
The government authorities and aid agencies worked throughout the night to help those impacted and assess damages in the camps.
The refugees who fled the fires are taking shelter in various locations.
Many are staying with relatives or in learning and transit centres which are accommodating the most vulnerable people.
The government of Bangladesh and aid agencies are providing water, hot meals and high energy biscuits as well as emergency healthcare to those affected.
The fire consumed shelters and personal belongings of refugees as well as essential facilities such as hospitals, primary health facilities, learning centres, and women-friendly spaces in the camps.
"Teams on the ground say the scale and intensity of the fire is unlike anything seen before in the camps," the statement said.
Also read: Fire at Rohingya camp caused 'enormous devastation': UNICEF
Some 24 hours into the response, preliminary assessments by aid agencies have found that some 10,000 Rohingya refugee families (approximately 45,000 persons) were displaced and a similar number of shelters have been damaged or destroyed in the camps as a result of the fire. Assessments are still ongoing.
"As the humanitarian response continues, healthcare and mental health support is being provided to those who’ve been injured or experienced stress as well as first line responders."
Moving forward, it said, the priority will be to reunite families and children who were separated during the fire and the subsequent movements to safe places, as well as to identify and support persons with specific needs, such as older persons, pregnant women and persons with disabilities.
Aid agencies are also monitoring the safety conditions of refugees to mitigate risks, as they remain vulnerable to incidents of theft, harassment, and exploitation.
Another priority for authorities and humanitarian actors will be to replace the key documentation that Rohingya refugees lost in the fire, it said.
Rescue efforts proved to be challenging as a result of the presence of perimeter fencing. In some instances, refugees themselves cut through the fence to escape the fire.
Also read: Fire breaks out at Rohingya camp in Ukhiya
Limited mobile connectivity in the camps also hampered the ability of refugees to call for immediate assistance and contact their families, the statement said.
"It also continues to limit the coordination of the aid response."
Refugee volunteers are playing an invaluable role in the response.
They are the first responders, helping people to safety, supporting fire response efforts and continue to work to support aid efforts on the ground.
The humanitarian community is urging the public to respect privacy of those Rohingya refugee families who have either lost family members or have been impacted by fires.