The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, marked by the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has reignited hope among the Rohingya refugee community. These refugees, who have faced years of violence and neglect, live in precarious conditions in sprawling relief camps after fleeing Myanmar due to persecution.
Around one million Rohingya reside in Bangladesh, a significant number of whom escaped a brutal military crackdown in Myanmar in 2017. Initially, Hasina was praised internationally for allowing approximately 750,000 Rohingya to enter Bangladesh. However, her government faced mounting criticism for its inability to adequately support these refugees in the years that followed. Reports of rampant malnutrition, violence within the camps, and deteriorating living conditions have painted a grim picture of their plight.
Shonjida, a 42-year-old Rohingya refugee and informal educator in one of the camps, expressed the fears faced by her community. “We and our children live in fear at night because of the shootings,” she said, reflecting on the chaotic environment in the camps, where rival militant groups frequently clash. So far this year, over 60 refugees have reportedly lost their lives in such conflicts. The informal learning centres she works in can accommodate only a small fraction of the camp’s children, many of whom suffer from malnutrition due to dwindling international aid and rations.
With Hasina’s recent removal from power following a student-led uprising, which forced her into exile in India, there is cautious optimism among the Rohingya. The uprising ended her 15-year rule, which was marred by human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and crackdowns on dissent. While her initial decision to open borders to Rohingya garnered her some international support, the subsequent failure to provide adequate assistance has led to widespread criticism from human rights organizations.
Under Hasina, around 36,000 Rohingya were relocated to Bhashan Char, a remote, cyclone-prone island, in an effort to ease overcrowding in camps. Many of those relocated claimed they were coerced into moving, with one refugee describing the island as “an island jail in the middle of the sea.” The dire conditions and lack of support have driven many to attempt perilous sea journeys in search of better opportunities, often resulting in tragic losses at sea.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who has taken over as the interim leader of Bangladesh, has expressed a commitment to supporting the Rohingya community. His early weeks in office have been met with some encouragement from refugees, who noted that community leaders have engaged with his administration.
Yunus has highlighted the need for ongoing international support to address the Rohingya crisis. Following his visit to the United States, where he met with President Biden, the State Department announced nearly $200 million in additional aid for the Rohingya. Yunus has also advocated for expedited resettlement options in third countries, acknowledging that safe repatriation to Myanmar remains an increasingly distant prospect.
The Rohingya have faced systemic discrimination in Myanmar for decades, where they have been deemed illegal immigrants despite their long-standing presence in the region. Previous efforts to establish repatriation agreements between Hasina’s government and Myanmar have failed, primarily because refugees are unwilling to return without assurances of safety and recognition of their rights.
The security situation in Myanmar has further deteriorated, particularly in Rohingya-majority areas, which have become battlegrounds for clashes between the military and various rebel groups. As refugee Mohammad Johar poignantly articulated, “There are killings there. How can we go back?” This sentiment underscores the urgent need for sustained international attention and action to address the plight of the Rohingya, particularly in light of the recent political changes in Bangladesh.
