June 18, 2025
A blog written by All We Can's humanitarian partner, Bolipara Nari Kalyan Somity (BNKS), about their work supporting Rohingya Refugees
Current challenges faced by Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh: Introduction and Context
The Rohingya people have suffered decades of violence, discrimination and persecution in Myanmar. Their largest exodus began in August 2017 after a massive wave of violence broke out in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, forcing more than 742,000 people, half of them children, to seek refuge in Bangladesh. Entire villages were burned to the ground, thousands of families were killed or separated and massive human rights violations were reported. The prolonged presence of the large Rohingya population in Bangladesh has been exerting various types of pressure on the local society. This has created significant humanitarian, social, economic, and environmental challenges for Bangladesh in Rohingya context. These challenges include tensions among the local host community, increased pressure on shelters, environmental damage, a rise in crime rates, and the challenge of securing international funding for the Rohingyas in Bangladesh, which has led to negative impacts. On the other hand, the increasing birth rate of children in the 33 camps in Bangladesh each year, malnutrition, health risks, and the ongoing war in Myanmar’s Rakhine state have caused thousands of Rohingyas to await entry into Bangladesh. As a result, providing shelter and support for this large population has become a significant challenge for Bangladesh. According to the latest data from UNHCR, a total of 1,133,981 Rohingya individuals are living in the country.
The Main Challenges
Humanitarian Needs:
• Basic Services: Providing adequate food, clean water, shelter, sanitation, and healthcare to such a large population is a massive undertaking.
• Health: Outbreaks of diseases like diphtheria, respiratory problems, and skin diseases are a constant threat.
• Psychological Trauma: The trauma of displacement, violence, and loss significantly impacts the mental health of refugees.
• Nutrition: Ensuring proper nutrition, especially for children and women, is crucial.
Security Concerns:
• Increased Violence: Violence, including clashes between different groups and incidents of abduction for ransom, has risen within the camps.
• Criminal / Crime Activities: Drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other criminal activities are also significant concerns.
• Security Forces: There are allegations of misconduct by law enforcement agencies responsible for maintaining order within the camps.
Socio-Economic Impacts:
• Host Community Tensions: The influx has created tensions between refugees and the local population due to competition for resources and livelihoods.
• Environmental Degradation: The concentration of refugees in camps leads to deforestation and other environmental problems.
• Limited Livelihoods: The refugees have restricted access to income-generating activities, making them heavily reliant on aid.
Education and Protection:
• Education Crisis: A lack of structured curriculum, language barriers, and inadequate resources create an educational crisis for Rohingya children. In addition, there is a significant challenge regarding the standards and quality education of Rohingya children due to the decrease in international funding for the education sector.
• Child Protection: Children are vulnerable to child labor, trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.
• Gender-Based Violence: Women and girls are at risk of gender-based violence, including domestic violence and sexual assault.
Land and Tenure:
• Land Disputes: Land tenure issues are complex, with overlapping claims and disputes over land allocated for refugee settlements.
• Forced Evictions: There are instances of forced evictions and rental disputes related to land usage.
Why It’s Important to Highlight the Challenges
1. Humanitarian Responsibility
The Rohingya crisis is one of the most protracted and underfunded humanitarian emergencies. Keeping it visible helps mobilize international aid and attention.
2. Humanitarian Funding Crisis and increased the international fund:
International funding for the humanitarian sector in Bangladesh has declined significantly. Among these, the closure of USAID funding can be considered a major challenge in the rohingya camp context.
3. Prevention of Statelessness and Long-term Displacement
Without sustained focus, the Rohingya risk becoming permanently stateless, with generations growing up in limbo, unable to return or integrate.
4. Regional and Global Stability
An unstable refugee population can become a breeding ground for extremism, crime, or regional tension. Addressing their needs helps promote peace and security.
5. Moral and Legal Obligations
International laws, including the Refugee Convention and human rights frameworks, mandate support and protection for displaced populations.
6. Sustainable Solutions Need Global Support
Voluntary, safe, and dignified repatriation is not currently possible. Highlighting their plight is essential to pushing for justice, accountability, and durable solutions.
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