Bangladesh is facing significant challenges as it grapples with the rising tide of Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar amid increasing hostilities between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army. Recent reports indicate the arrival of around 60,000 Rohingya within the past two months alone, exacerbated by the deteriorated security situation along the border.
The foreign affairs adviser of Bangladesh, Md. Touhid Hossain, publicly addressed these developments at a seminar held on Sunday, where he outlined the current crisis stemming from Myanmar's internal turmoil. Speaking to attendees, he noted, "Our position in principle is not to allow any more Rohingya to enter. ... It’s not official, they entered through different routes." Bangladesh has been sheltering over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees since the military crackdown initiated back in August 2017.
The recent influx has emerged as the Arakan Army claims to control substantial areas along the Rakhine state border and has displayed growing military effectiveness against the junta government. With civil war intensifying, the humanitarian crisis has escalated, adding pressure on Bangladesh's southeastern Cox's Bazar district, which has already been stretched thin with the presence of existing refugees.
This troubling situation is compounded by allegations of corruption involving individuals on both sides of the border, facilitating illegal crossings for financial gain. The porous nature of the border has made it difficult for Bangladesh to maintain control, leading to unregulated movements of people fleeing violence.
During his recent visit to Bangkok for discussions on the crisis, Hossain emphasized the need for Myanmar’s government to take responsibility, arguing, "The Myanmar border is not under your control. The border has come under the control of non-state actors." This sentiment pressed upon the necessity for Myanmar to engage more constructively with neighboring nations to restore stability within its territory.
At the engineering meeting involving Thailand, India, Laos, China, and Myanmar, regional representatives collectively urged Myanmar to address its internal conflicts. Hossain conveyed the need for diplomatic dialogue amid the chaos, stating, "We cannot get involved with non-state actors. ... They (Myanmar government) have to see how to solve the border and Rohingya problems."
Despite the challenges faced, Hossain expressed cautious optimism, stating there might not be another wave of refugees, but acknowledged the importance of preparedness. He called for international cooperation to manage the crisis effectively, asserting, "But we have to make arrangements to stop this wave, along with the international community."
The situation remains precarious for Rohingya refugees caught between their desperate need to escape violence and the practical limitations facing Bangladesh, which must balance humanitarian concerns and national security. Assistance from the international community will be key, not only for immediate support but also for fostering meaningful resolutions to the underlying conflicts driving these refugee flows.
The pressure on Bangladesh to manage large numbers of Rohingya has created diplomatic strains, as the country intensifies efforts to highlight the Myanmar government's responsibility for the crisis. Reports have increasingly detailed the refugee populations living under harsh conditions, feeling unsafe and deprived of basic rights.
The continuing humanitarian crisis reflects broader regional instability and calls for urgent action from the international community to address the needs of both the Rohingya refugees and the host country. Bangladesh's policy is now at forked roads—balancing the welfare of those fleeing violence with the unforgiving realities of managing extensive inflows of refugees.
The challenges remain formidable; the prospect of additional Rohingya fleeing is always looming as long as the conditions remain volatile. The resilience and endurance of both the Rohingya and their host communities are increasingly tested, with no clear resolution on the horizon. Therefore, concerted efforts to not only manage this pressing humanitarian issue but to also strike at the heart of Myanmar’s internal strife are more important than ever.
