A decade of hosting the world’s displaced: Bangladesh’s burden, Myanmar’s silence, and a region that looks away

As Bangladesh nears a decade since the 2017 displacement and marks the 75th anniversary of the global refugee framework, it is an opportune moment to evaluate the evolution of our humanitarian landscape. For nearly 50 years, since the initial 1978 influx, Bangladesh has stood as a beacon of humanitarian duty, shouldering the immense burden of hosting 1.2 million refugees. This response, while born from an urgent need for shelter, has transitioned into a complex, deep-rooted demographic and economic reality that shapes the life of Cox’s Bazar today.
While the fundamental goal remains the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of the Rohingya to Myanmar, the current climate requires us to look beyond the static “temporary” model. The reality on the ground has shifted; the camps have expanded into complex, semi-urban spaces. This transformation demands a recalibration of our national strategy—one that balances our unwavering commitment to human rights with the practical necessities of national security, social stability, and economic management.
A refreshed approach does not abandon the call for repatriation; rather, it acknowledges that until Myanmar establishes the necessary conditions of citizenship and safety, we must manage the situation with greater foresight. By integrating these settlements into a more structured planning framework, we can better address the rising internal security challenges, such as criminal networks and the risks posed by local instability. This is not about granting permanent citizenship, but about ensuring that while these populations remain, they are governed in a way that minimizes the burden on local infrastructure and safeguards the environment and social fabric of our communities.
On the diplomatic front, the state’s balanced stance remains our greatest strength. Engaging with the complex, fragmented power dynamics across our border is a delicate task that demands nuance over rhetoric. By diversifying our diplomatic efforts—utilizing China’s influence, deepening ties with ASEAN, and coordinating with global partners—we can effectively transform this from a localized crisis into a shared regional responsibility.
The way forward is to transition from a cycle of crisis management to a cycle of strategic governance. By prioritizing pragmatic diplomacy and evolving our local management framework, Bangladesh can uphold its reputation as a responsible global actor while shielding its borders and citizens from the pressures of a protracted crisis. Humanitarian aid is and will remain a pillar of this process, but a durable future can only be secured through a political and strategic vision that recognizes the reality of the present while steadfastly working toward the stability of tomorrow.