The Rohingya crisis, which once drew global attention following Myanmar’s military crackdown and alleged genocide in Rakhine State, has gradually faded from the international spotlight. Humanitarian assistance has declined, while efforts to repatriate the refugees remain stalled.
After the brutal crackdown on 25 August 2017, more than seven lakh Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh. Along with around 350,000 Rohingyas who were already living in Bangladesh before 2017 and those who arrived later, more than 12 lakh are now living in 33 camps in Cox’s Bazar under difficult conditions. Some have also been relocated to Bhasan Char.
Fresh fighting between Myanmar’s junta forces and the Arakan Army, which began in late 2023, has further complicated the crisis. More than two lakh Rohingyas have entered Bangladesh again between January 2024 and July 2026, according to available data.
For this vast displaced population, a return to Myanmar remains uncertain.
Siraj Uddin, a resident of Rohingya Camp-8W in Cox’s Bazar, fled Myanmar nine years ago to save his life. He survived, but years of confinement in a crowded camp have left him exhausted.
“How long will we have to stay in Bangladesh like this? We do not know,” he said, reflecting on the anniversary of his arrival.
Yunus Arman, a resident of Kutupalong camp, said, “We do not know when we will return home. Today, on the ninth anniversary of our displaced life, we will hold meetings and rallies at different locations in the camps. Through these gatherings, we want to send a message to the world that pressure should be put on Myanmar so that we can return to our homeland.”
Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) in Cox’s Bazar, said the Rohingya crisis was no longer only Bangladesh’s problem but had become an international issue.
“The international community must take responsibility,” he said.
Mizanur Rahman said the Bangladesh government was continuing to work with the international community to resolve the crisis, including developing a roadmap for sustainable and safe repatriation.
He said continued persecution in Myanmar’s Maungdaw region was forcing many Rohingyas to attempt fresh crossings into Bangladesh, creating additional challenges. The government was trying to provide them with minimum humanitarian assistance, he added.
Population growth puts pressure
Since 2017, more than 216,000 children have been born in the Ukhiya-Teknaf camps, adding further pressure on limited space and resources.
More than 235,000 children remain outside formal education, increasing their vulnerability to child marriage, child labour and human trafficking.
Police data show that more than 288 people have been killed in Rohingya camps over the past nine years. Many of the killings were linked to conflicts among armed groups involved in criminal activities and competing for control of the camps.
At the same time, international assistance for the Rohingyas is gradually declining, while security risks inside and around the camps are increasing.
As global attention shifts towards new geopolitical conflicts and wars, humanitarian funding for the Rohingya crisis has fallen sharply.
Due to funding shortages under the 2026 Joint Response Plan, donor agencies have been forced to reduce food rations and basic healthcare services.
Local residents frustrated
As the camp population has grown, criminal activities have also increased. The Ukhiya-Teknaf camps have witnessed frequent incidents of abduction, murder and other crimes.
Local residents have expressed growing frustration over the prolonged presence of refugees and its impact on the surrounding environment.
Gafur Uddin Chowdhury, chairman of Palongkhali Union Parishad in Ukhiya, said, “Due to the pressure of the Rohingyas, agricultural land has turned into polluted drains. If their repatriation is not arranged quickly, the environment here will face a severe threat.”
Mohammad Zubair, president of the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights, said, “In Bangladesh, Rohingyas are becoming a burden day by day.”
Syed Ullah, president of the United Council of Rohingya, said, “We are grateful to Bangladesh for giving us shelter and saving our lives. We are not permanent residents here. One day we must return to our own country, Myanmar. For Rohingyas, repatriation is the only solution.”
The Bangladesh government has repeatedly said that safe and dignified repatriation is the only solution. However, political instability in Myanmar and reluctance from the authorities there have repeatedly delayed the process.
Myanmar disputes Rohingya numbers
Myanmar’s junta government has recognised around 350,000 Rohingyas as residents of Myanmar, a claim rejected by Bangladesh, the UN and Rohingya representatives.
According to the latest UNHCR data cited by officials, Bangladesh is currently hosting 1,202,034 forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, commonly known as Rohingyas.
In 2017, Myanmar’s military launched a campaign against the Rohingyas under the pretext of “counter-terrorism operations”. The United Nations and several international organisations described the campaign as ethnic cleansing.
Bangladesh began diplomatic efforts with Myanmar for repatriation soon after the crisis began. However, despite several initiatives, not a single Rohingya has returned.
UNHCR and other international organisations continue to provide shelter, food, healthcare and other humanitarian assistance. However, officials say international funding for the prolonged crisis is declining, raising concerns about the sustainability of humanitarian operations.
