Rohingya Crisis: Why Bangladesh Must Act Now to Address the Growing Refugee Issue

The Rohingya crisis continues to escalate, with Bangladesh hosting over a million refugees from Myanmar for the past seven years. However, despite this prolonged accommodation, the Bangladesh government has yet to introduce a clear policy framework to manage and regulate the presence of these refugees. As Myanmar descends deeper into civil unrest, the number of Rohingya refugees continues to rise, further compounding the already overwhelming situation. It’s time for Bangladesh to act.

Why Bangladesh Must Create a Policy Framework for Rohingya Refugees

Currently, Bangladesh’s efforts to manage the Rohingya refugee crisis lack the necessary structure and coherence. This is largely due to the absence of a robust national policy to manage their movement, identification, and protection. A policy brief by the European Union highlights multiple agreements between Bangladesh and international parties to safeguard the Rohingya people’s rights, but without a formal national framework, these agreements are ineffective.

The Urgent Need for Regulation and Control

While the Rohingya crisis remains a humanitarian issue, it’s also deeply affecting the socio-economic fabric of Bangladesh. The lack of regulation over the movement of refugees has led to several issues:

• Unregulated movement: Rohingya refugees leaving camps for unapproved employment has caused significant strain on local resources.
• Labour market impact: Rohingya refugees often work for lower wages, undercutting local workers and escalating economic tensions.
• Security concerns: Reports of involvement in criminal activities among the refugee population have raised alarms, with local authorities unable to curb the violence.

A local Bangladeshi resident shared, “You need to pay a local labourer Tk 600 daily, but a Rohingya does the same job for Tk 200-300. Naturally, they get hired first.” While this undercuts local wages, the real issue is the lack of control Bangladesh has over the refugee situation, which only deepens with every passing day.

Bangladesh’s Leadership: A Chance for Reform

Despite these issues, the situation remains largely under-discussed in Bangladesh’s political discourse. Recently, Dr Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace laureate, called for Rohingya resettlement to third countries, but this suggestion has not gained traction with international organisations or other nations. The political discourse in Bangladesh remains unclear, with mixed signals regarding support for the Rohingya.

Bangladesh must lead with a new approach. Dr Yunus’s leadership presents an opportunity to implement durable solutions that ensure the Rohingya are protected but also addresses the pressures on local resources and infrastructure.

What’s Missing: A Clear Asylum Policy

At present, Bangladesh does not sign the 1951 Refugee Convention, meaning Rohingya refugees are not formally recognised as refugees under international law. Instead, they are termed as Forcefully Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs). While this classification may help Bangladesh avoid international legal obligations, it does little to address the practical challenges of hosting such a large population for an indefinite period.

A clear asylum policy is essential to manage both the short-term needs and long-term solutions for the Rohingya crisis. Such a policy would outline:

• Identification and registration procedures for Rohingya refugees.
• Movement restrictions to avoid economic disruptions and criminal activities.
• Access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and safety measures.
• Pathways to durable solutions, such as repatriation or resettlement options.

Without such a policy, Bangladesh risks further instability in the host communities, jeopardising the safety of both the local population and the displaced Rohingya.

The Way Forward: Forming a Commission for Policy Reform

Bangladesh has the opportunity to take the lead in shaping the global response to forced migration. The country can set an example for others by developing a policy framework tailored to its unique context. Here’s how:

1. Form a Reform Commission: The government should establish a commission that includes refugee and migration experts. This commission would be responsible for drafting a comprehensive white paper on the rights and regulations for asylum seekers.

2. Tailored Policy: Instead of copying existing policies from other countries, the commission should craft a policy that fits Bangladesh’s recent political transition and the current socio-economic landscape.

3. Emphasise Durable Solutions: The policy should not only provide for the temporary accommodation of Rohingya refugees but also create pathways towards sustainable solutions, whether through local integration or resettlement to third countries.

4. Cooperation with International Stakeholders: Bangladesh must collaborate with UNHCR and international organisations to ensure that the Rohingya are provided with both protection and opportunities for resettlement.

5. Incorporating Local Integration and Repatriation: While repatriation to Myanmar might not be an immediate solution, it should still be part of the conversation, alongside any possible opportunities for local integration in Bangladesh’s society.

Why Bangladesh Must Lead the Way

Bangladesh has already done an incredible job of hosting over a million Rohingya refugees, and it can continue to provide leadership on the global stage. The country must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to address the Rohingya crisis. By acting decisively, Bangladesh can:

• Show that even non-signatories to the Refugee Convention can provide refuge while upholding human rights and dignity.
• Create a blueprint for other countries facing similar forced displacement challenges.
• Secure its own future by promoting coexistence and stability between refugees and local communities.

Conclusion: The Time to Act is Now

Bangladesh is at a crossroads. The Rohingya crisis is one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of our time, and the need for effective policy is more urgent than ever. While repatriation or resettlement may not be immediate solutions, the Bangladesh government can and must act now by introducing a clear asylum policy that balances protection with local stability. Bangladesh’s leadership in this area will not only address the current crisis but will also pave the way for a more sustainable solution for refugees worldwide.

Relevant Links for Further Reading:

1. Rohingya Crisis
2. Bangladesh’s Refugee Policy
3. International Refugee Law
4. Bangladesh’s Role in Global Migration
5. Rohingya Repatriation

Photo credit: Nikkei Asia