Episode: KPN 29-01-2025 

Unified efforts, sustainable repatriation urged to resolve Rohingya crisis

A significant meeting involving 42 NGO representatives under the CSO-NGO Coordination and Cooperation Network (CCNF) was held at the COAST Cox’s Bazar Center to discuss strategies for addressing the ongoing Rohingya crisis.

Former whip of the Bangladesh Parliament and president of BNP Cox’s Bazar unit Shahjahan Chowdhury chaired the meeting organised by the CSO-NGO Coordination and Cooperation Network (CCNF), held at the COAST Cox’s Bazar Center.

The discussion focused on strategies to tackle the ongoing Rohingya crisis.

Shahjahan Chowdhury said the urgent need for sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya community, emphasising the role of local NGOs in identifying and addressing challenges faced by both Rohingyas and host communities.

He warned that social harmony would be at risk if local grievances are not addressed.

CCNF Co-Chair Rezaul Karim Chowdhury pointed to the deteriorating law-and-order situation in camps, particularly in Ukhiya and Teknaf, calling for reduced management costs and greater involvement of local NGOs in field-level operations.

He urged UN agencies and international NGOs to focus on fundraising and capacity building for local counterparts.

Nilima Akter Chowdhury, President of Agrajattra, emphasised involving local stakeholders in planning the Joint Response Plan (JRP), while Abul Kashem of Help Cox’s Bazar highlighted the decreasing donor support and urged intensified fundraising efforts.

Environmental concerns were raised by Executive Director of Pulse Bangladesh, who called for an Environmental Recovery Fund to address severe ecological damage in Ukhiya and Teknaf since the Rohingya influx in 2017.

The event underscored the need for unified efforts to ensure sustainable solutions for the Rohingya crisis while safeguarding the interests of host communities.

Tagged as: Rohingya refugee camp,  community schools,  APBn,  RRRC,  foods shortage,  Balukhali,  Sittwe,  hungers,  Bangadesh refugee camp,  Teknaf,  ration cut,  BGP,  Burma-Bangladesh border,  Arakan,  RSO,  Buthidaung,  BGB,  Burma,  Malaysia going boat,  IDP camp in Arakan,  Arakan Army,  Myanmar,  Military navy,  Kutupalong,  Cox's Bazar,  Rohingya boat people,  Maungdaw,  Military Council force,  Rakhine,  IIMM,  Rathedaung,  ARSA,  Rohingya,  war crimes,  Rohingya Refugee,  Camp schools,  Akyab.