The impacts of Rohingya refugee influx on Bangladesh

Abstract

The Rohingya, a Muslim minority ethnic group in Myanmar, were forcibly displaced to Bangladesh in 2017 on the ground of ethnic cleansing by the military government. By August 2017, more than one million Rohingya refugees took shelter in Coxbazar district of Bangladesh. This massive influx of refugees had multi-dimensional impacts on Bangladesh. Despite the fact that Bangladesh's socio-economic and demographic conditions do not allow it to accept refugees, the government made the choice on humanitarian grounds and in response to international pressure. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the socio-economic impacts of the Rohingya refugee influx on the host community. This paper uses push-pull and realism theories to identify the roots causes of this massive influx to Bangladesh. The study applies a qualitative method to analyze the impact of the Rohingya refugees on the economy of Bangladesh, complemented by a qualitative literature review. The results indicate that rising prices, along with falling wages of low-skilled workers are negatively affecting host communities. Environmental degradation, as well as excessive pressure on already strained infrastructure and public services, are major concerns. From a geopolitical standpoint, however, China, India, and the United States all have substantial geopolitical interests in the region. China’s and Myanmar's economic strategy have played a crucial part for the influx. On this basis of the above mentioned factors, it is recommended that a holistic approach is essential between the various international organizations, host country Bangladesh and Myanmar for a sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar at the earliest. Further research is needed to identify other factors that could strengthen the effectiveness of the repatriation.