Rohingya, Sep 25 (Alliance News) – The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, marked by the overthrow of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has ignited a spark of hope among Rohingya refugees who have long endured hardship and violence in the country.
Approximately one million Rohingya refugees, a stateless and persecuted Muslim minority, live in sprawling relief camps in Bangladesh after fleeing violence from Myanmar.
In 2017, Hasina was praised internationally for opening borders to around 750,000 Rohingya escaping a military crackdown now being investigated by the United Nations for potential genocide.
However, the years that followed have been marred by rampant malnutrition and violence within the camps.
“We and our children live in fear at night because of the shootings,” said Shonjida, a 42-year-old Rohingya refugee. As a teacher at one of the few informal learning centers for children in her camp, she is acutely aware of the difficulties facing her community.
These centers serve only a fraction of families, as refugees are excluded from Bangladeshi schools, universities, and the local job market.
Declining international aid has resulted in reduced rations, exacerbating undernourishment among students. Additionally, conflicts among rival militant groups have led to over 60 deaths among refugees this year.
“We want peace and no more gunfire,” Shonjida expressed. “Now that the new government is in power, we hope it will give us peace, support, food, and safety.”
Transition of Power Brings New Possibilities
Sheikh Hasina was recently ousted following a student-led uprising that forced her to flee to India, just moments before her palace was stormed. Her 15-year rule was criticized for extrajudicial killings, media restrictions, and crackdowns on civil society.
Although her initial decision to welcome Rohingya refugees earned her some diplomatic leeway from the West, her government faced backlash for its handling of the refugee crisis.
Under Hasina, at least 36,000 Rohingya were relocated to Bhashan Char, an uninhabited island prone to cyclones, which many described as a “jail in the middle of the sea.”
The dire conditions in the camps prompted thousands to attempt perilous sea journeys to seek refuge elsewhere, resulting in many drowning at sea.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who is now leading an interim government, has promised to continue support for the Rohingya. Many refugees have expressed optimism, noting community leaders’ engagement with the new administration.
“I am more hopeful now,” said community leader Hamid Hossain.
Call for International Support
Yunus has emphasized the need for sustained international support for the Rohingya and recently traveled to the United States to secure additional aid.
Following his meeting with President Joe Biden, the State Department announced nearly $200 million in new funding.
He also advocated for the accelerated resettlement of Rohingya in third countries, given the diminished prospects of returning to Myanmar.
The Rohingya have faced decades of discrimination in Myanmar, where successive governments have classified them as illegal immigrants despite their long history in the region.
Past repatriation efforts led by Hasina’s government and Myanmar were met with strong resistance from refugees, who demanded safety and civic rights before considering a return.
The security situation in Myanmar has significantly deteriorated, with Rohingya-majority communities experiencing severe violence between the military and rebel forces. “There are killings there,” said Mohammad Johar, a 42-year-old refugee. “How can we go back?”
