THE Rohingya issue is a telling indicator of how the crisis calls for urgent solidarity across borders in the wake of unimaginable human agony. Since August 2017, when Myanmar鈥檚 military launched a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingyas in Rakhine State, Bangladesh opened its borders to more than a million individuals. While this unparalleled humanitarian response has earned widespread international acclaim, the weight of this crisis bears heavily on Bangladesh. Strained national resources, a politicised domestic debate and a reordered set of diplomatic relations have pulled Bangladesh into a precarious balancing act. For the international community, the crisis is not purely a regional affair but a common cause that demands concerted intervention.
The Rohingyas, an overwhelmingly Muslim minority in a Buddhist-majority Myanmar, have been subjected to decades of systemic persecution. Denied citizenship under Myanmar鈥檚 1982 citizenship law, they were rendered stateless. Myanmar鈥檚 military and people have perpetrated discrimination, forced labour and violence on the Rohingyas, culminating in the 2017 crackdown. In months, more than 700,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh, adding to the thousands who had fled to Bangladesh during earlier waves of violence.
At the very outset, Bangladesh was regarded as an icon because of its welcoming the Rohingyas. Cox鈥檚 Bazar, which houses the largest refugee camp in the world, epitomises the response. Emergency assistance including shelter and health care provided by the government along with international organisations such as the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and non-governmental organisation, ensued. The response has saved many lives, but the long-term consequences of hosting such a large population are becoming increasingly apparent.
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Challenges
Hosting over a million refugees in one of the world鈥檚 most densely populated countries has strained Bangladesh鈥檚 infrastructure and resources. To accommodate refugee camps, vast areas of forests in Cox鈥檚 Bazar were cleared, causing ecological degradation. The sudden influx put water resources and sanitation facilities under stress, raising health concerns. Although international aid provides substantial support, the government has to bear considerable costs for managing the crisis. The local communities in Cox鈥檚 Bazar have seen inflation, decrease in wages and competition for resources.
The Rohingya crisis is a very contentious issue in Bangladeshi politics and there are multiple dimensions that affect domestic stability. Reports of illegal activities, which include human trafficking, drug smuggling and the potential for radicalisation within the camps, have caused alarm. Such a large stateless population has posed some long-term security risks. What began as general public support for hosting the Rohingyas seems to be slowly turning into anger among the local people around Cox鈥檚 Bazar who feel marginalised. The opposition have at times blamed the government for mismanaging the crisis for political mileage. The political polarisation makes it difficult to develop a unified national strategy in handling the crisis.
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Geopolitical implications
Relations between Bangladesh and Myanmar have worsened. Despite multiple repatriation agreements, Myanmar has demonstrated little commitment to ensuring safe, voluntary, and dignified returns for the Rohingyas. Border tension has flared, with accusations of military incursion and shelling. China plays the role of a mediator between Bangladesh and Myanmar while it protects Myanmar鈥檚 interests on the global stage. Bangladesh has to play along carefully with China for economic reasons. India has given a lukewarm reaction as it balances strategic interests with Myanmar and relationship with Bangladesh. It gave humanitarian aid but stopped short of strongly condemning Myanmar鈥檚 action. Western nations, particularly the United States and the European Union, have provided significant humanitarian aid and imposed sanctions in Myanmar. However, they have not been able to pressure Myanmar sufficiently for a resolution.
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Co-operation have largely been ineffective in addressing the crisis, reflecting the limitations of regional cooperation. The response of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has been criticised as tepid, given its principle of non-interference. Bangladesh鈥檚 diplomatic efforts have focused on gaining international support for repatriation and humanitarian aid. While the United Nations has condemned Myanmar, enforcement mechanisms are weak. The ICC investigation of alleged crimes against the Rohingya adds a legal dimension to the crisis but has yet to yield tangible outcomes.
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Economic implications
The inflow of international aid has generated some economic activities, especially in Cox鈥檚 Bazar. Infrastructure development, logistics and services industries have benefited. But over-reliance on foreign aid can weaken local governance and long-term economic planning.听 Political instability associated with the crisis may deter foreign investment, especially in areas near the camps.
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Arakan army鈥檚 dominance
The Arakan Army is one of the most powerful ethnic armed groups in Myanmar and over the past year, it has consolidated control over key areas of the Myanmar-Bangladesh border, including Maungdaw Township. Now, with the seizure of authority over the entire 270-kilometre border previously managed by Myanmar鈥檚 military junta, the Arakan Army has added a fresh layer of complexity to the already fraught Rohingya crisis. This strategic dominance disrupts local governance, fuels regional instability and raises significant security concern for Bangladesh, which shares this volatile frontier.
The presence of the Arakan Army further complicates the plight of the Rohingya refugees, who remain one of the most vulnerable communities in the region. Accused of rights violations, including forced displacements and violent attacks against the Rohingya, the group has deepened the crisis. The actions hinder repatriation efforts and leave more than a million Rohingya refugees in the camps of Bangladesh with little hope for a safe return. The possibility of increased cross-border tension and a fresh wave of displacement heightens the stress on resources and the security apparatus of Bangladesh. This is a growing situation that underlines a need for a coordinated regional approach to address the humanitarian and geopolitical challenges posed by the territorial gains of the Arakan Army.
The Rohingyas are unwilling to return to Myanmar without guarantees of citizenship, safety, and rights. Myanmar resists international pressure, adding to the stalemate. Bangladesh has resisted giving the Rohingyas permanent status out of fear that it would encourage more influxes and further tear its social fabric. Proposals for relocating refugees to Bhasan Char, a remote island, have been criticised on safety and isolation grounds. As international focus shifts to other crises, sustaining aid and advocacy for the Rohingyas becomes increasingly challenging.
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Path forward
THE Rohingya crisis, with its deep-rooted humanitarian, political, and security dimensions, requires a multi-pronged approach to address its challenges effectively. Coordinated global efforts are vital to holding Myanmar accountable for its actions against the Rohingya community. Countries must amplify diplomatic pressure by suspending bilateral agreements, withholding development aid and excluding Myanmar from international forums unless it takes concrete steps toward resolving the crisis. Comprehensive sanctions targeting Myanmar鈥檚 military leadership and their economic interests can deter continued persecution. The measures should be coupled with strict enforcement to prevent evasion. International institutions, rights organisations and influential nations must sustain global attention on the crisis through advocacy and campaigns that highlight the plight of the Rohingyas and the responsibility of the Myanmar government. The magnitude of the crisis warrants stronger regional collaboration, particularly among South and Southeast Asian countries.
A cohesive framework for refugee management, spearheaded by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations can distribute the humanitarian burden across the region. This includes commitments for financial contributions, temporary resettlement, and shared logistical support. Regional countries must strengthen border management to prevent human trafficking and ensure that the refugee camps do not become hubs for illegal activities. Regional powers such as India and China can facilitate constructive dialogues between Bangladesh and Myanmar to build trust and explore pathways for repatriation. Cox鈥檚 Bazar, the epicentre of the Rohingya refugee crisis, requires substantial investment to alleviate pressure on local communities and create a sustainable environment for all. Projects focused on improving roads, water supply and sanitation systems can serve both refugees and local residents.
Educational programmes tailored for refugees and host community members can foster economic self-reliance and reduce social tension. Expanding healthcare facilities ensures improved living conditions for refugees and minimizes the strain on local health services. These efforts also reduce the risk of disease outbreaks, which could affect both populations. Legal action through international courts is an essential avenue to seek justice and set a global precedent against ethnic cleansing and genocide. Supporting the International Criminal Court investigation of Myanmar鈥檚 military leaders for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity can bring accountability. Cases brought before the International Court of Justice by states or organisations, as seen in the Gambia鈥檚 filing against Myanmar, demonstrate the potential of legal mechanisms to pressure compliance with international norms. Continued efforts to gather and preserve evidence of atrocities are critical for the success of these legal initiatives.
While voluntary and safe repatriation remains the ultimate goal, realistic contingency planning is crucial to address the prolonged displacement of the Rohingya. Refugees must be provided with opportunities for education, vocational training and employment, enabling them to contribute positively to host economies. Building partnerships between refugees and host communities through joint initiatives can foster social harmony and mitigate resentment. For the controversial relocation plan to succeed, measures must be taken to ensure the safety, sustainability, and voluntariness of refugee transfers to Bhasan Char island.
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Call for solidarity and action
THE Rohingya crisis needs not only urgent humanitarian responses but also far-reaching and visionary strategies embedded in cooperation and justice. This solution requires firm commitments on part of the international community, from diplomatic pressure on Myanmar to regional harmony and sustainable development. Seeking accountability through courts of law and contemplating dignified futures for refugees are key components in marking the road towards a resolution. The acts are a testament to the collective commitment to uphold human rights, ensure regional stability, and adhere to shared values of humanity.
To Bangladesh, this crisis is not a national challenge but a moment in history that tests its resilience, compassion, and leadership. The burden is immense, affecting its politics, economy and global standing, but hope abounds in transformative leadership and global solidarity. It is through unity and shared responsibility that the path to peace and dignity for the Rohingyas can be realised.
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Dr Serajul I Bhuiyan is a professor and former chair of the journalism and mass communications department at Savannah State University, Georgia.