The recent global circumstances, geopolitical dynamics and funding crises are pushing the Rohingya situation in Bangladesh into further uncertainty.  

Addressing these challenges and ensuring a sustainable future for the Rohingya response requires coordinated efforts from the international community, government, and donor partners, speakers came up with the urgency while speaking at a programme on Wednesday, reports a press release.

Speakers reflected these at the "Plumbers of the World: Legacy and Realities of Rohingya Response," jointly organised by Oxfam in Bangladesh and the Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) at a hotel in Cox's Bazar.

The event showcased Oxfam’s innovation, best practices and key learning from the Rohingya response, particularly in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) innovations and addressed current challenges, including funding crisis, resource depletion and shifting international attention. 

While speaking at the inaugural session, RRRC Commissioner Mohammad Mizanur Rahman noted that the Rohingya issue is becoming increasingly complex as recently, the US administration announced a pause in funding for Rohingya refugees, which will worsen the crisis.

“When it comes to WASH management in the camps, this is one of the most critical sectors among 8-9 others. Ensuring safe water, sanitation and health protection for such a large population in a limited area is a significant challenge,” he said.

The event was graced by Chief Guest, Mohammad Kamrul Hasan, secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.

“Our ultimate goal should be to repatriate them (Rohingyas) to their homeland. Although the Joint Response Plan (JRP) 2024 has created some opportunities for Rohingya to become self-reliant and to be able to create livelihood opportunities for themselves upon their return, the reality is that they are idly sitting, which poses a security threat to everyone. In such a situation, we cannot guarantee that there is no potential risk for extremism or terrorist activities,” he said.

Special Guest Sumbul Rizvi, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh, said, “In principle (Rohingya refugees) would all like to return to their country, and they would like to return in safety and in dignity. That is the only sustainable way of finding a solution.”

“We need to shift from emergency humanitarian response to more sustainable approaches promoting self-reliance and resilience of the refugee community,” she added.

Many Rohingyas are still trying to enter Bangladesh, which could have significant negative implications for Bangladesh as a neighbouring country, he said, adding that comprehensive approaches are needed to address the short and long-term plans to address the challenges.

In his opening remarks, Ashish Damle, country director of Oxfam in Bangladesh said, ‘When the Rohingyas arrived in droves, it was the local communities who first offered help, sharing their homes, food and clothes.

The government, despite its own challenges, allocated resources, ensured safety and facilitated humanitarian aid, he said.

The event featured two discussion sessions. One focused on the current state, challenges and future of WASH for the local community and Rohingya population in Cox's Bazar.

The second session addressed actionable steps to ensure a sustainable future for both communities. A two-day photography exhibition showcasing various inspirational stories of the Rohingya community was also part of the event.

The event was attended by several notable figures, including Mohammad Salahuddin, deputy commissioner of Cox's Bazar, David Bagden, principal coordinator of the Inter-Sector Coordination Group (ISCG) for the Rohingya Refugee Response, Mohammad Nazmul Abedin, an official of the Refugee Cell of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and Silja Rajendran, head of Sub-Office at UN Women.

Additionally, representatives from various government, non-governmental and international organisations and civil society attended the programme.