How Long Will Bangladesh Bear the Burden of Rohingyas?

Bangladesh, a developing country with limited resources, has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to humanitarian values by hosting one of the largest refugee populations in the world. The Rohingya people began entering Bangladesh in massive numbers in 2017 following a brutal military crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Fleeing violence, persecution, and fear, they sought refuge across the border. Since then, Bangladesh has provided them with shelter, food, healthcare, and protection despite facing its own economic and social constraints. However, the reality remains that a resource-constrained country like Bangladesh cannot continue to carry this responsibility indefinitely. The state already faces immense pressure to ensure the wellbeing of its own citizens, and the prolonged presence of such a large refugee population has gradually turned into a serious national challenge.

At present, more than 1.2 million Rohingya people are living in Bangladesh, the majority of whom are now concentrated in the camps in Cox’s Bazar, being the largest refugee settlement in the world. According to data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, most of these refugees arrived during the 2017 influx, although smaller waves had crossed the border in earlier decades. What initially appeared to be a temporary humanitarian crisis has now evolved into a long-term and complex situation with no clear resolution in sight.

From the very beginning, Bangladesh responded with compassion and urgency. The government, supported by local communities, opened its borders and provided immediate assistance to those fleeing violence. Land was allocated for shelters, and refugees received food aid, medical services, and access to basic education. Meanwhile, these efforts were supported by international organisations such as the World Food Programme and UNICEF, which helped deliver humanitarian assistance on a large scale. This response earned global recognition.

However, nearly a decade later, the situation has become far more difficult to sustain. Managing such a large displaced population requires enormous financial, administrative, and environmental resources. International estimates suggest that the Rohingya response costs more than one billion USD each year. While a significant share of this funding is provided by international donors to support Rohingyas, Bangladesh continues to bear substantial direct and indirect costs. These include pressure on land, infrastructure, healthcare systems, and public services, as well as long-term environmental damage.

The impact on local communities has been profound. Large areas of forest land have been cleared to establish refugee camps, leading to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to landslides and soil erosion. At the same time, competition over employment opportunities and basic resources has intensified tensions between refugees and host populations. In a country where many people already live in poverty.

Security concerns have further complicated the situation. Reports from law enforcement agencies indicate that some individuals within the refugee camps have become involved in criminal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and violent conflicts. Organised criminal networks have also emerged in certain areas, contributing to instability both inside and outside the camps. It is important to note that the vast majority of Rohingya refugees are victims of displacement and are not involved in such activities. Nevertheless, these incidents have raised legitimate concerns about law and order and national security.

One of the most pressing challenges is the absence of a durable and realistic solution. Repatriation to Myanmar is widely seen as the most viable long-term option. However, conditions in Rakhine State remain unsafe and uncertain. Despite repeated bilateral discussions between Bangladesh and Myanmar, as well as international diplomatic efforts, there has been little meaningful progress. The Rohingya refugees themselves have consistently expressed their unwillingness to return without clear guarantees of citizenship, safety, and basic human rights.

The situation has become even more complicated due to changing political dynamics within Myanmar. Rakhine State is now largely under the influence of the Arakan Army, which seeks greater autonomy. This evolving power struggle makes it even more difficult to ensure a stable and inclusive environment for the safe return of the Rohingya population.

At the same time, global attention to the Rohingya crisis appears to be fading. The international community has increasingly shifted its focus to other conflicts and humanitarian emergencies around the world. As a result, funding for Rohingya-related programmes has declined, and diplomatic engagement has weakened. Although humanitarian agencies remain active, the crisis is no longer at the forefront of global priorities. Despite this, Bangladesh continues to shoulder the responsibility with limited support and no clear long-term roadmap.

This situation raises critical questions for both Bangladesh and the international community. How long can Bangladesh continue to sustain such a heavy burden on its own? Is it fair for a developing country with limited resources to carry such a disproportionate responsibility for an extended period? These questions highlight a significant gap in global responsibility sharing. Without stronger and more consistent international support, Bangladesh risks facing increasing economic strain, environmental degradation, and social tension.
The current reality is unsustainable. Bangladesh has already gone far beyond what could reasonably be expected from a country in its position. Continuing under the same conditions without a long-term solution will only deepen existing challenges. At the same time, any attempt at forced or unsafe repatriation would violate international humanitarian principles and could lead to further instability.

A sustainable and lasting solution requires renewed global commitment and coordinated action. The international community must intensify efforts to address the root causes of the crisis. This includes applying stronger diplomatic pressure on Myanmar to create conditions that would allow for the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of the Rohingya people. At the same time, increased financial assistance and equitable burden sharing are essential to support Bangladesh in managing the situation.

In addition to repatriation, alternative solutions should also be explored. Third-country resettlement programmes can provide opportunities for some refugees to rebuild their lives elsewhere. Expanding access to education, skills training, and livelihood opportunities within the camps can help reduce long-term dependency and improve living conditions. These steps will not solve the crisis entirely, but they can at least minimise the pressure while a comprehensive solution is pursued.
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The writer is a freelancer