Rohingya Refugees Rally in Bangladesh, Demand Better Living Conditions

Kuwait City, Kuwait Aug 26, 2026 ALN: Tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh’s sprawling camps protested against dire conditions on Tuesday, marking nine years since a military crackdown forced them to flee Myanmar. Over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, many escaping the brutal 2017 crackdown, reside in approximately 30 overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar, the world’s largest refugee settlement.

Organized by the United Council of Rohingya (UCR), the rally aimed to “remember the atrocities committed” and bring attention to the “ongoing humanitarian crisis.” Sabikunnahar, 32, who fled to Bangladesh in 2017, expressed her pain: “Beheading our near and dear ones, setting fire to our homes and evicting us from our land — the military occupied our land around nine years ago. On this day, my heart gets torn apart. Look at my eyes — they are still wet with tears for my country.”

Conditions in the camps have worsened due to funding cuts and reduced food rations, according to aid agencies. Children constitute more than half of the population in these camps.

“An entire generation of children is growing up in exile,” stated Golam Mostofa, head of the charity Save the Children in the camps. “Yet instead of seeing progress towards safety, rights, and a lasting solution, families are facing worsening hunger, fewer opportunities, and deepening uncertainty about their future.” Save the Children predicts that one in three refugees may face “crisis” hunger levels or worse between September and December.

Moulovi Abdus Salam, 41, who arrived in Bangladesh last year, recounted his family's harrowing escape: “Gunmen raped our women, killed my brothers, and looted my shop.” He lamented that food rations last only “a maximum of 20 days.”

“We don’t want the life of a refugee,” he said, questioning whether a proposed repatriation process would ensure Rohingya rights and safety. “My request to the international community is to create the conditions for us to return home.” Increasing desperation has led some refugees to attempt perilous sea journeys.

Sikandar, 75, who arrived in Bangladesh in 2017, expressed despair: “There is no hope for us to return home. There are no realistic plans that can be implemented. It’s hard to live in a camp. None of us is living here comfortably — not a single one of us.” He noted that humanitarian aid is insufficient, including food from the World Food Programme and healthcare from other organizations. Bangladeshi authorities have stated they are already overstretched and have called for the dignified return of the Rohingya to their homeland.

The 2017 Myanmar crackdown, which involved the burning of Rohingya villages and the killing of civilians, is currently the subject of a genocide case at the UN’s top court in The Hague. A joint statement from the British High Commission in Bangladesh on Tuesday emphasized that conditions in Myanmar do not permit the safe repatriation of refugees.

“Rohingya refugees have a right to return to their homes in Myanmar,” the statement asserted. “Regrettably, conflict is escalating across Rakhine, and humanitarian needs are rising. Deepening insecurity, airstrikes on civilian infrastructure, and blockades on aid and trade by Myanmar authorities are worsening the humanitarian crisis.”

Human Rights Plight

The already dire human rights situation in Myanmar has reached a “new low,” particularly for minorities, the United Nations warned on Tuesday. The UN human rights office condemned the “ever-worsening brutal abuse” of the Rohingya minority and the “devastating impact” of illicit economies, especially illegal mining for rare earths. Myanmar’s ruling junta seized power in a coup on February 1, 2021, ousting Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government and plunging the nation into turmoil and humanitarian crisis.

Over the past five years, more than 100,000 people are estimated to have been killed across all sides as the military battles various pro-democracy and ethnic minority rebels. In a report covering June 1, 2025, to May 31 this year, the UN rights office linked violence to a conflict economy and civilian suffering. “This report depicts a picture of suffering, misery, and cruelty on multiple levels and across the country that is heartbreaking,” stated UN rights chief Volker Turk.

“I call on all states, companies, and investors to undertake serious soul-searching with respect to their actions—or inaction—to ask: is this fair and just for the people of Myanmar?” Coup-leader Min Aung Hlaing took over as Myanmar’s civilian president in April, surrendering the office of armed forces chief to a key aide. He is currently leading a diplomatic effort to improve Myanmar’s post-coup standing and gain international recognition.