Bangladesh Government, Oxfam partner to assess comprehensive Impacts of Rohingya crisis

Marking a critical milestone in tackling the long-term challenges of the Rohingya crisis, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), and Oxfam in Bangladesh have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday (10 December) at the Secretariat of Bangladesh.

This collaboration aims to spearhead a comprehensive research initiative to assess the wide-ranging socioeconomic impacts of the Rohingya crisis on Bangladesh and inform sustainable solutions, reads a press release. 

Since 2017, Bangladesh has hosted over 1.1 million Rohingyas fleeing persecution and violence in Myanmar. This influx has imposed significant strain on the country's socioeconomic structure, environment, and infrastructure, particularly in Cox's Bazar, where the Rohingya people reside.

During the signing ceremony, Faruk-E-Azam, adviser to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, emphasised, "This MoU is a testament to Bangladesh's commitment to addressing the multifaceted impacts of the Rohingya crisis through informed strategies and partnerships. Together, we aim to create pathways for sustainable and collaborative solutions."

This partnership underscores the Government of Bangladesh's commitment to fostering collaborative efforts and leveraging international expertise to address the ongoing challenges of the Rohingya crisis. Oxfam in Bangladesh's extensive experience in humanitarian research and advocacy will further strengthen this initiative.

Highlighting the importance of this research, Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, remarked, "Bangladesh has shown exceptional humanity in hosting over a million Rohingyas since 2017. This research will illuminate the real costs and challenges faced by the host communities, helping us advocate for shared responsibility and global action."

Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh, emphasized, "This crisis is not only a humanitarian issue but also an environmental and economic one. Through this collaboration, we aim to provide a nuanced understanding of the impacts, enabling sustainable solutions for the Rohingyas and the host communities."

The signing ceremony was also attended by distinguished officials, including Md Kamrul Hasan, ndc, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR); Mohammad Nazmul Abedin, Joint Secretary and Head of the Refugee Cell, MoDMR; and Mahmuda Sultana, Programme Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh.

The MoU and research will serve as a cornerstone for advocacy efforts at the global level, reemphasising the need for shared responsibility and robust international support. Through this initiative, the Government of Bangladesh and Oxfam aim to inform policies that uphold the dignity and well-being of Rohingyas and host communities. It will also present long-term projections and recommendations for addres sing the crisis sustainably.