Rohingya crisis puts Bangladesh under pressure as environmental, economic and security concerns grow

The prolonged Rohingya crisis is creating growing social, economic, environmental and security pressures on Bangladesh, which has sheltered the refugees on humanitarian grounds.

Rohingyas first arrived in large numbers in 1978 and again in 1991-92. The biggest influx came in August 2017, when more than 750,000 fled Myanmar’s Rakhine State following a military crackdown.

According to UNHCR and Bangladesh government data, 1,200,171 Rohingyas were living in Bangladesh as of June 30, 2026. Of them, 1,166,352 were in 33 camps in Cox’s Bazar and 33,819 in Bhasan Char.

The large refugee population has put pressure on forests, hills and biodiversity in Ukhiya-Teknaf, while demand for food, water, healthcare and security has increased pressure on local communities.

Security concerns have also grown, with reports of killings, abductions, extortion, drug and human trafficking and armed group activities. Despite restrictions, some Rohingyas have allegedly attempted to leave the camps and settle elsewhere.

In February 2026, 348 Rohingyas were detained in Dohazari, while 35 were detained after leaving Bhasan Char in 2025. On August 20, two Rohingya women were detained in Jhalakathi while allegedly trying to obtain passports using another person’s identity. Several have also been detained in Satkania and returned to the camps.

Satkania UNO Khondkar Mahmudul Hasan called for greater monitoring and community-level awareness to prevent Rohingyas from illegally settling outside the camps.

Experts say the crisis is now linked to Bangladesh’s national security, economy and diplomacy. They stress that a lasting solution requires safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation with international support.