Staff Reporter :
During a virtual dialogue to mark World Humanitarian Day, speakers highlighted the urgent need to ensure the safety and security of aid workers and vulnerable communities in Bangladesh, particularly in the context of the ongoing Rohingya response.
Organised by the COAST Foundation, Cox’s Bazar CSO-NGO Forum (CCNF), and BDCSO Coordination Process, in collaboration with the Alliance for Empowering Partnership (A4EP), the event titled *”Act for Humanity-Leave No One Behind”* brought together various international and local stakeholders.
Participants criticised the World Bank’s recent $700 million loan pledge for the Rohingya and host community response, arguing that loans for humanitarian efforts are unethical and could set a dangerous global precedent.
Shireen Huq of Naripokkho presided over the event, which was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Foundation. Md. Iqbal Uddin of COAST delivered the keynote address, where he expressed concern that aid workers, who should be celebrated as heroes, are often victims in conflict zones.
Mirela Shuteriqi from the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) in Switzerland stressed the importance of protecting civilians, aid workers, and humanitarian premises. Gawher Nayeem Wahra from Disaster Forum, Bangladesh, underscored the critical role of local volunteers during crises, advocating for greater recognition of their contributions.
Nanette S. Antequisa, Chairperson of A4EP and Executive Director of ECOWEB, Philippines, questioned the targeting of aid workers, demanding justice under international humanitarian law. Palwashay Arbab from Community World Service Asia called for the introduction of advanced technologies to reduce casualties in humanitarian operations.
Sudhanshu S. Singh, Executive Director of Humanitarian Aid International, India, drew attention to disparities in salaries between local and international aid workers, calling for greater equity. Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman, Chairperson of Start Fund Bangladesh, advocated for the localization and decolonization of aid, a sentiment echoed by Rafiqul Islam from Rupantor in Khulna, who stressed the need for a renewed commitment to localised humanitarian responses.
AHM Bazlur Rahman, CEO of BNNRC, warned about the dangers of cyberattacks and misinformation during conflicts, while Fazlul Kader Chowdhury from Green Cox in Cox’s Bazar highlighted the dire conditions faced by 14,000 host community members living inside Rohingya camps, urging for a more inclusive approach.
Marianna Narhi from the NGO Platform in Cox’s Bazar emphasised the importance of protecting the dignity and rights of asylum seekers, while Ferdous Ara Rumee underscored the vulnerability of women and children in crisis situations and the urgent need for their protection.
Other participants, including MA Halim, Amis Hossen, Barkat Ullah Maruf, and Mohammad Bin Abdullah, also shared their perspectives, reinforcing the collective call for a more ethical, equitable, and effective humanitarian response in Bangladesh and beyond.