The host communities must not be forgotten

As the world observes World Refugee Day, Bangladesh remains at the forefront of one of the most protracted humanitarian crises of our time.

As per a report published in The New Nation on Saturday, nearly nine years after the 2017 mass influx from Myanmar, the country continues to host more than one million Rohingya refugees, primarily in Cox’s Bazar. This commitment has earned Bangladesh international recognition.

Yet the evolving realities of the crisis demand a broader policy conversation – one that gives equal attention to the communities that have long shared its burden.

The Rohingya response can no longer be viewed solely as an emergency humanitarian operation. What began as an urgent effort to provide shelter and protection has gradually evolved into a complex socio-economic and development challenge for the host communities of Ukhiya and Teknaf. Ignoring this reality risks undermining both local resilience and the sustainability of humanitarian efforts.

Over the years, these communities have experienced mounting pressures. Increased demand for goods and services has contributed to higher living costs, while competition in low-wage sectors has affected local livelihoods.

Healthcare facilities, schools and transport systems have struggled to cope with growing demands. Environmental degradation, including the loss of forest resources and damage to fragile ecosystems, has further intensified vulnerabilities in an area already prone to natural disasters.

Recognising these concerns does not diminish the legitimate needs of the Rohingya population. Rather, it acknowledges a policy truth: support for refugees and support for host communities are mutually reinforcing.

Failure to address the grievances of local residents could weaken social cohesion and erode the goodwill that has enabled Bangladesh to uphold its humanitarian commitments despite considerable constraints.

The inclusion of host community welfare in the Joint Response Plan is therefore a welcome step. However, commitments must translate into action through greater investment in local infrastructure, livelihood opportunities, environmental restoration and public services. At the same time, international donors must not allow funding fatigue to dictate the future of a crisis that remains unresolved.

Ultimately, Bangladesh cannot be expected to shoulder this responsibility indefinitely. The international community must intensify efforts to ensure the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar. Until then, supporting host communities is not merely an act of fairness; it is essential to sustaining Bangladesh’s remarkable humanitarian response.