Eight Years of the Rohingya Refugee Crisis in Bangladesh: Charting a Path Toward Long-term Solutions

Tuhin Sarwar । journalist। Bangladesh।

The Rohingya, an ethnic Muslim minority group with a long-standing presence in Myanmar's Rakhine State, have faced persistent challenges in obtaining recognition from the Myanmar government. The legal discrimination started in 1982 when the Myanmar Citizenship Law excluded them from citizenship, and a 2014 census further marginalized them, stripping away their legal identity.

For decades, the Rohingya community has suffered systemic violence, oppression, and human rights abuses. These harsh conditions, including military assaults, arbitrary arrests, and sexual violence, have driven waves of displacement. In August 2017, a violent military campaign in Myanmar forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people to seek refuge in Bangladesh. The United Nations described this as “ethnic cleansing” of a scale unprecedented in modern times.

Bangladesh’s Ongoing Response: Shelter Amidst Strain

Bangladesh has a long history of providing refuge to displaced Rohingya, dating back to the late 1970s. By 2025, Bangladesh will host over 960,000 refugees, the majority of whom reside in the sprawling camps of Cox’s Bazar. The Kutupalong-Balukhali camp, currently the largest refugee settlement globally, struggles to meet basic needs due to overcrowding. Over half of the refugee population is under the age of 18, and women and girls constitute 51% of the camp population, creating unique challenges for their well-being.

Ongoing Challenges in Refugee Camps

The conditions in Cox’s Bazar refugee camps remain dire. As of late 2023, funding shortfalls have led to severe shortages in food, healthcare, and sanitation. Humanitarian aid is only able to meet 45% of the required needs, leaving refugees to survive on minimal resources. Many young refugees have resorted to dangerous migration attempts, heading towards Malaysia and Indonesia, often with tragic consequences.

Limited access to clean water and proper sanitation exacerbates the situation. Only 30% of the refugees have access to potable water, and 85% lack sufficient sanitation facilities, leading to widespread outbreaks of waterborne diseases like diarrhea, skin infections, and measles. Overcrowding has led to increased risks of scabies and other communicable diseases. Additionally, incidents of gender-based violence (GBV), including domestic abuse, trafficking, and sexual harassment, are on the rise in the camps.

The vulnerability of refugees is further amplified by seasonal natural disasters, especially monsoons. In 2023, Cyclone Mocha caused extensive damage in Cox’s Bazar, affecting millions of people, including the refugees. Inadequate shelter conditions failed to withstand the cyclonic winds and heavy rains, exposing refugees to floods, landslides, and the spread of diseases like malaria and dengue.

Economic and Environmental Impact on Bangladesh

Hosting the Rohingya has placed a substantial financial burden on Bangladesh. The government spends over $1.2 billion annually to support the refugee population, significantly straining resources. This influx has disrupted local industries, including agriculture and tourism. With food prices rising and competition for low-wage jobs intensifying, tensions have increased between the refugee population and the host community.

Environmental degradation has also become a pressing concern, as the need for firewood and shelter materials has led to widespread deforestation in Cox’s Bazar. Since 2017, approximately 1,500 acres of social forest have been lost, further threatening the region’s biodiversity and ecological balance.

Repatriation: Obstacles to a Safe Return

Bangladesh has consistently pushed for the safe return of the Rohingya to Myanmar. However, efforts to repatriate refugees have faced numerous obstacles. Myanmar’s refusal to offer meaningful guarantees for the safety, citizenship, and property rights of the returnees has made repatriation unfeasible. The 2017 repatriation agreement and subsequent pilot projects failed due to Myanmar’s lack of cooperation and the ongoing violence in Rakhine State.

Another proposal to relocate refugees to Bhasan Char, a remote island in the Bay of Bengal, has faced criticism. While some refugees report improved security on the island, many others feel isolated, with concerns about the island’s lack of infrastructure and the uncertain future.

The Role of Global and Regional Players

International support for the Rohingya crisis has dwindled over the years. By late 2023, only 28.9% of the required $876 million in aid had been fulfilled, leaving Bangladesh with the majority of the responsibility. Key global players like China, India, and Russia have been reluctant to press Myanmar for change, due to political and economic interests in the region.

China has substantial investments in Rakhine State, including projects under its Belt and Road Initiative. India’s strategic interests in Myanmar, including counterinsurgency operations and resource access, have also limited its willingness to take a stronger stance on the crisis. Additionally, regional organizations such as ASEAN and SAARC have been largely ineffective due to internal disagreements and slow decision-making processes.

A Path Forward: Collaborative Global Action

The Rohingya refugee crisis demands a coordinated, multifaceted approach. International stakeholders must prioritize diplomatic efforts to ensure a safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation process. Long-term solutions must address Myanmar’s discriminatory citizenship laws, while holding the government accountable for past human rights violations.

At the same time, there is a pressing need for increased humanitarian aid to alleviate immediate suffering. This must include supporting refugees and aiding the local communities in Bangladesh that have generously opened their doors.

Bangladesh has demonstrated extraordinary compassion in hosting the Rohingya for eight years, but the country cannot continue to bear this burden alone. A collaborative, international approach, involving diplomatic, financial, and technical assistance, is essential to bring an end to this crisis. Only through joint efforts can we ensure that the Rohingya people can return to a peaceful and dignified life, and that Bangladesh’s resources are supported in the process