Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, and the actions of the interim government in the coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the country’s future trajectory regarding human rights and minority protections.
Bangladesh is at a critical juncture following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after 15 years in power. Her departure came in the wake of intense anti-government protests over job quotas, leading to violent clashes, a heavy-handed government crackdown, and ultimately, her fleeing the country. With an interim government now in place, questions arise about the future of human rights and the protection of minorities in the country, in particular the Rohingya refugees.
Bangladesh has a diverse population with various ethnic and religious minorities. Historically, these groups have faced discrimination and violence. The interim government needs to prioritise the protection of these minorities and address any grievances through dialogue and inclusive governance. Building a society that respects and celebrates diversity will be key to national unity and peace.
Strengthening legal protections for minorities is vital. This includes enforcing existing laws against discrimination and violence and implementing new measures to safeguard the rights of all minority communities. Legal reforms should aim to eliminate systemic biases and ensure equal treatment for all individuals under the law.
Around 919,000 Rohingya refugees currently reside in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, which has become the largest refugee camp in the world when on 25 August 2017, over 700,000 Rohingya refugees fled from Myanmar to Bangladesh seeking safety and lifesaving assistance.This massive displacement occurred following severe violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. The Rohingya fled to escape a brutal crackdown by the Myanmar military, which resulted in widespread atrocities.The UNHCR and other international bodies condemned these acts, labeling them as genocide and crimes against humanity.
The plight of the Rohingya is rooted in a long history of systemic discrimination and persecution in Myanmar. For decades, the Rohingya have faced severe restrictions on basic freedoms, including marriage, family planning, employment, education, religion, and movement. Rakhine State, their home region, suffers from a poverty rate more than double the national average, exacerbating their struggles. Despite having lived in Myanmar for generations, the Rohingya have been systematically denied citizenship and stripped of their rights to participate in elections, rendering them the world’s largest stateless group.
MAEC- Mediterranean Aid Education Center (previously MOAS ITALIA) worked tirelessIy with the Rohingya since 2017, when it launched its first mission in Southeast Asia by establishing an Aid Station in Shamlapur, Bangladesh, to support Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Myanmar.
The Aid Station provided essential medical care, water, and sanitation services in a makeshift settlement, with a dedicated team offering triage and emergency transport. In 2020, MOAS ITALIA expanded its efforts with a second mission, focusing on water safety and rescue training in Cox’s Bazar. This initiative, funded by the Otto per Mille of the Waldensian Church, trained 700 volunteers to prevent drowning and improve safety amidst the challenging conditions of the refugee camps. Despite the ongoing difficulties exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, these missions have been pivotal in addressing urgent humanitarian needs and saving lives.
The majority of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are women and children, with over 60 percent being under the age of 18. Many arrived with severe injuries and deep psychological trauma, carrying only the clothes on their backs. These individuals urgently need basic necessities such as food, clean water, and shelter, but above all, they need safety and security.
The living conditions in the refugee camps are deplorable. The overcrowded settlements are made up of makeshift tents that offer little protection against the elements. The area is prone to floods and landslides, exacerbating the already precarious situation. Basic sanitation is a significant issue, with overflowing latrines and contaminated water sources leading to serious health risks.
Now they are again in the crosshair, attacked in Myanmar and unable to cross toward safety in nearby countries.
Recent reports have surfaced detailing grave atrocities against Rohingya civilians in Maungdaw, Rakhine State, as the Arakan Army (AA) extends its control over the region. According to Rohingya activists and local media, the AA has allegedly killed an unknown number of Rohingya, with estimates suggesting over a hundred deaths and many more injured from drone strikes and crossfire. The situation has been described as a “deadly catastrophe,” with the Rohingya being pushed out of Maungdaw and trapped along the Naf River, which borders Bangladesh. This escalation follows a long history of conflict and persecution in the region, exacerbating the Rohingya’s plight and leaving them with limited options for safety.
As the Arakan Army continues its advance, MAEC calls the international community to address this dare humanitarian crisis and ensure protection for the vulnerable Rohingya population by any means.
Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, and the actions of the interim government in the coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the country’s future trajectory regarding human rights and minority protections. By committing to justice, inclusive policies, and the protection of fundamental freedoms, Bangladesh can move towards a more democratic and equitable society. The journey ahead will require strong leadership, a commitment to human rights, and the active participation of all sectors of society in shaping a better future for the nation.