The Rohingya crisis is no longer just a humanitarian issue; it is a growing challenge to Bangladesh’s national security, social status, and political stability.
The fallen Hasina government had relocated a portion of the Rohingya to Bhasan Char in Noakhali to reduce the pressure of crowds and crime in Cox’s Bazar.
But the government intelligence reports have revealed that out of the approximately 40,000 Rohingya relocated to Bhasan Char, more than 10,000 have already fled and scattered to different parts of the country.
The main reasons for the Rohingya’s escape are clear — lack of employment, lack of education, lack of adequate medical care, restrictions on travel outside the camps, family separation, and uncertainty about the future.
On the one hand, the camps in Cox’s Bazar are relatively more open, where many can earn some income through daily wages or irregular labour; on the other, Bhasanchar is tightly controlled, isolated, and lacking in workplaces.
For just three to four thousand taka, the Rohingyas are able to reach the coast of Noakhali or Chittagong in a wooden boat in the dark of night.
In this way, the Rohingyas have spread across the country from Bhasan Char. Even the state does not know for sure what they are involved in.
As a result, the risk of Rohingyas getting involved in various criminal gangs is increasing, which has already created security concerns in the surrounding districts.
Although the security system at Bhasan Char is mainly dependent on the Navy, APBN, Coast Guard and police, their lack of patrolling and surveillance has helped Rohingyas to escape from there.
Besides, administrative inconsistencies, lack of coordination in NGO activities, and limited attention from camp in-charges have further complicated the situation.
In this context, five recommendations have come from the intelligence agency.
These are – reviving livelihood programs, gradually continuing the relocation process, ensuring medical services, and resuming education for children and increasing the logistical capacity of security agencies.
While these are essential to implement, the main question is whether they are capable of bringing about a lasting solution to the problem?
Experts say, keeping the Rohingyas in detention centers at Bhasan Char or moving them from one area to another within the country will not solve the crisis. Rather, it is spreading the problem on a larger scale.
The truth is, there is no alternative to Rohingya repatriation. Now, diplomatic engagement needs to be renewed.
