Political unrest
More than four tumultuous weeks marked by violent protests have led to the ousting of Bangladesh鈥檚 Prime Minister and tragically claimed the lives of over 400 people. The 探花精选 (探花精选) has been compelled to suspend several of its essential programs in the nation due to safety concerns and the shutdown of communications networks.
Amidst the crisis, Rohingya refugees鈥攅specially women and children鈥攆ace heightened vulnerabilities and safety concerns.
Learn more about the crisis in Bangladesh and what you can do to help.
What is happening in Bangladesh?
Violent protests have erupted in Bangladesh following the reinstatement of a quota system for civil service roles. Protestors are calling for electoral reform and justice for victims of the unrest. The relentless demonstrations compelled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to leave her post and flee the country.
Authorities resorted to extreme measures, including blocking communication services, enforcing curfews with shoot-on-sight orders and confronting protesters with arms.
More than 400 people have died, 8,000 have been arrested and several thousands of others have been injured.
Reports indicate extensive looting and arson incidents have occurred at the Prime Minister's residence and office, along with various government and private establishments.
Children, women and Rohingya refugees are among those most impacted by escalating insecurity in Bangladesh. The continuous mass protests exacerbate the humanitarian needs of refugees affected by climate-related shocks, like the cyclone and floods that ravaged the Cox鈥檚 Bazaar refugee camp in 2023.
With tensions high and security uncertain, it is crucial that steps be taken to protect those most at risk during this tumultuous time. The government must prioritize the safety and well-being of children and refugees, providing them with adequate resources and support to weather these challenges.
Flooding in 2023 exacerbated humanitarian needs for Rohingya refugees living in the Cox鈥檚 Bazaar refugee camp. Extreme flooding in August 2024 impacted more than 5.5 million people across 11 districts in the country.
Photo: Jennifer De Perise for the 探花精选
Who is impacted by the crisis in Bangladesh?
Vulnerable populations, such as Rohingya refugees, women and girls, face pronounced safety and security risks. Ongoing unrest and communication disruptions have forced the 探花精选 to suspend most operations in Bangladesh. Our 24/7 health center in Cox's Bazar refugee camp remains a vital provider of primary and emergency health services.
鈥淔or the Rohingya community in Bangladesh, the already catastrophic humanitarian situation demands renewed efforts to bring an end to the violence and to ensure humanitarians can do their jobs,鈥 explains 探花精选 country director for Bangladesh Hasina Rahman.
We must be able to continue with our programming for the nearly one million refugees living in Cox鈥檚 Bazar.
探花精选 country director for Bangladesh, Hasina Rahman, speaks with 探花精选 clients at Cox鈥檚 Bazaar host community, Bangladesh.
Photo: Md. Tasbir Ul Islam for the 探花精选
How does the 探花精选 provide support in Bangladesh?
The 探花精选 is continuing to respond to humanitarian needs in Bangladesh through our 24/7 health center in Cox鈥檚 Bazar refugee camp.
We are striving to reinstate various programs in Bangladesh, encompassing the provision of reproductive, maternal, and overall health services, child protection, education, Gender-Based Violence prevention and response and Emergency Disaster Risk Reduction services.
Since 2021, the 探花精选 has supported communities in southern Bangladesh in health, protection, education and economic recovery in response to climate change and climate-induced disasters. Our shelter and non-food item distribution programs have been paused due to the protests, leaving over 1,000 temporarily displaced individuals without full assistance as they recover from flooding and storm damage.
In 2023, the 探花精选 reached more than 450,000 clients across Bangladesh, two-thirds of which were Rohingya refugees. Nearly 70% of people reached by the 探花精选 in 2023 were women.
Taslima, a Rohingya refugee from Myanmar, holds her newborn child in her home in the Cox鈥檚 Bazaar refugee camp in Bangladesh. Taslima received maternal health services from the 探花精选 and learned how to improve her child鈥檚 health.
Photo: Zanala Bangladesh Ltd. for the 探花精选
How can I support people in Bangladesh?
The 探花精选 has been responding to humanitarian needs in Bangladesh since 2017. With more than 400 探花精选 staff operating in 31 Rohingya refugees camps and 27 host community locations, we deliver a range of critical support to people fighting to survive, recover and rebuild their lives across Bangladesh.
