The influx of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh: National security challenges and strategic responses

The influx of over one million Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh following the 2017 humanitarian crisis in Myanmar’s Rakhine State has created a multidimensional challenge for the country. This research examines the national security implications of the crisis, evaluates the effectiveness of government strategies, and proposes actionable responses to safeguard Bangladesh’s national interests. The prolonged refugee presence has exacerbated security vulnerabilities and the risk of radicalization, particularly in the refugee camps concentrated in Cox’s Bazar. These developments, coupled with socio economic pressures on host communities, have strained national resources and heightened tensions, imderscoring the urgency of a sustainable resolution. The studies critically assess Bangladesh’s strategies, including its hmnanitarian approach, and collaboration with international actors. While these efforts have mitigated immediate challenges, the research identifies significant gaps, such as inadequate border management, limited socio-economic integration, and the lack of a comprehensive repatriation plan. The effectiveness of these measures is further constrained by geopolitical complexities and limited international accountability. Using a qualitative approach, this research draws on extensive literature, interviews, and expert analysis to offer actionable policy recommendations. To address these challenges, the research proposes a strategic framework of immediate, medium-term, and long-term actions. This study concludes that resolving the Rohingya crisis requires a balanced approach that integrates national security priorities with humanitarian obligations while fostering regional cooperation and global accountability. By aligning security needs with sustainable socio-economic and diplomatic strategies, Bangladesh can mitigate the crisis’s impact, safeguard its national interests, and contribute to regional stability. These findings and recommendations underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive, sustainable strategy that integrates regional diplomacy, robust national policies, and global support to resolve this protracted crisis effectively.