In a move aimed at conserving Bhasanchar Island's forests and reducing the dependency on firewood, Qatar Charity (QC) has provided cooking gas cylinders to the Rohingya refugees residing there. This effort, part of QC’s larger relief initiative, benefits around 22,800 refugees, enhancing their daily lives by offering a safer, more reliable cooking fuel.
This project seeks to promote safer cooking practices by shifting away from firewood, which not only presented safety risks but also contributed to environmental harm. Samiya, a mother of three, expressed her gratitude, noting, “Before receiving the gas cylinder, collecting firewood was a difficult and dangerous task. Now I can cook meals more quickly and safely for my children, and it has made a big difference in our lives.”
The initiative also aims to protect the island’s environment by reducing deforestation. “We used to cut down trees out of necessity, but now we don’t have to harm the forest anymore. I hope this assistance continues for as long as we are here,” Samiya added.
Hossain Ahmed, a 39-year-old refugee, expressed his appreciation for the impact of the cooking gas. “Having access to gas allows us to cook a variety of meals, making our days more pleasant. This help from Qatar Charity means a lot—it gives us hope and helps us feel more settled.”
Elderly refugee Shabika Begum also praised the initiative, stating, "The gas cylinder has made me feel much safer and healthier. We no longer need to search for firewood, and cooking has become much easier."
Government officials have acknowledged the crucial role Qatar Charity is playing in improving living conditions for the refugees. Md Maksudur Rahman, Assistant Camp in Charge of Bhasanchar, emphasized, “Qatar Charity’s initiative addresses urgent needs, improving both safety and daily life for the refugees.”Over the past five years, Qatar Charity has worked to enhance the quality of life for more than 1.5 million refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasanchar. By providing cooking gas, QC is helping to tackle environmental challenges, safeguard the health of the refugees, and create a sense of stability in their lives.
