The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has been granted approval to access a critical database containing detailed records of over one million Rohingya refugees, maintained by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This development comes as part of a broader effort by the Bangladesh government to manage and identify the Rohingya population effectively.
In a press briefing held on March 19, 2025, ASM Humayun Kabir, the Director General (DG) of the National Identity Registration Wing at the EC, revealed that a technical committee has been established to discuss how the EC plans to utilize this valuable data. The EC will convene next week to determine the logistics and the best practices for accessing and employing this information.
This initiative is backed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Bangladesh government and UNHCR, which outlines the terms of data sharing between the two entities. As Kabir noted, "We have been trying for a long time to obtain the Rohingya data that UNHCR holds. The Bangladesh government's efforts to procure it has been ongoing since 2018.” This newfound access is seen not just as a bureaucratic development but also as a significant step toward better governance and administration within the context of managing the Rohingya population.
The crux of the discussions is how to effectively manage the data once it is received. A central issue that remains unresolved is who will maintain control of the database server. The choice of server location—whether it will reside with the EC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or a separate entity—is crucial as it will dictate the management and security of sensitive refugee information.
Kabir emphasized the urgency of this data transfer, stating, "The sooner we receive this data, the more beneficial it will be for us. We will no longer have to struggle as much to prevent Rohingyas from obtaining NID cards. Once we have the data, we can cross-check and easily identify them." This statement highlights a potential ease in managing identity verification processes for Rohingyas, which has historically been a complex issue.
Having reliable data on the Rohingya population is essential for various administrative tasks, including but not limited to monitoring refugee status, facilitating humanitarian aid, and preventing the misuse of identification cards. The EC's access to this database aims to streamline these processes, making it easier for authorities to handle applications and verify identities without extensive manual checks.
Moreover, the background of this agreement goes back several years, with the UNHCR and the Bangladesh government initiating discussions on data sharing as far back as 2018. This long wait for data access echoes the larger context of the Rohingya crisis, which has drawn international attention and various responses from humanitarian organizations and governments worldwide.
Bangladesh remains home to one of the world’s largest refugee populations following the violent exodus of Rohingyas from Myanmar in 2017. Consequently, ensuring proper identification and integration of these refugees into the local system has been an ongoing challenge for the Bangladesh government, leading to various initiatives aimed at improving refugee management.
With over a million Rohingyas currently residing in makeshift camps across southeastern Bangladesh, the implications of accessing this database could be profound. It represents a pivotal step for national authorities to accurately track the refugee population, providing much-needed resources and services that have become critical amidst escalating humanitarian needs.
The EC’s ability to verify identities swiftly may also allow government strategies to be more data-driven, potentially improving the overall welfare of both the Rohingyas and local communities. The hope is that with accurate records, the government can better address the unique challenges these refugees face, from education and healthcare to employment opportunities.
Skeptics, however, may point to the concerns regarding data privacy and the implications of surveillance of the Rohingya population. Ensuring that data is handled responsibly will be paramount as the UNHCR and the Bangladesh government move forward in what appears to be a delicate balancing act between refugee management and human rights.
As the meeting of the technical committee approaches, the focus will also be on how to engage with the Rohingya community about the usage of this data, addressing any fears and concerns they may have regarding privacy and security. Overall, the access to UNHCR's Rohingya database reflects significant progress in a complex humanitarian landscape, signaling potential improvements in the administrative frameworks that govern how refugee populations are identified and managed in Bangladesh.
In conclusion, the EC's access to the Rohingya database marks a critical evolution in the ongoing efforts to improve systems of governance regarding refugee populations. The anticipated outcomes of this access could not only enhance identity verification processes but also pave the way for more substantial support and integration efforts aimed at benefiting the Rohingya in Bangladesh.
