The Rohingya Exodus to Bangladesh

Abstract

Abstract This chapter describes the Rohingyas’ plight as one of the most persecuted stateless communities of the world, and explains how the influx of Rohingyas to Bangladesh resulted in the construction of the world’s largest refugee camp, Cox’s Bazar, where refugees languish in the hope of someday returning to their home country. The chapter examines the reasons for the Rohingya mass exodus from Myanmar to Bangladesh and their aspirations to find a new identity, livelihood, and dignity. It analyzes how the Rohingyas’ assimilation within Bangladesh is marred by uncertainties, noting that the biggest concern for the Bangladeshi government is the excessive pressure on the domestic economy that any plans for eventual assimilation of the refugees puts on the country. It also highlights how the Rohingyas’ aspirations of assimilation into Bangladesh society has had challenging security and environmental implications.