Attachments
Context
The situation in Cox’s Bazar remains highly challenging for both the Rohingya population and the host communities, with 1,003,3941 displaced people from Rakhine including 35,6291 relocated to Bhasanchar who are reliant on humanitarian assistance. BDRCS's continuous support addresses critical needs in what has become the world’s largest refugee settlement. Moreover, 445,972 people in Cox’s Bazar host communities also have been impacted due to this influx. The demographic composition—largely women, children, and vulnerable individuals—alongside the protracted nature of the crisis, underscores the strain on resources and services. The population in camps comprises 51% female and 49% male, while out of the total population, 52% are children, 44% adults and 4% older people. Additionally, 6.18% of people are extremely vulnerable individuals (EVIs), including 3.2% of people with disabilities (PWDs). Frequent multihazards, including cyclones, heavy rainfall, floods, landslides, fire incidents, and lack of income opportunities with no sign of repatriation, have compounded their living conditions.
September saw a particularly high-security risk, with a variety of incidents across the camps and border areas, adding another layer of complexity. Crimes within the camps, along with civil unrest, continue to stress the social and security fabric in Cox’s Bazar, while armed clashes and explosions along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border illustrate the persistent volatility. This, combined with new arrivals from Myanmar, put immense pressure on Bangladesh's ability to maintain peace and stability in the region.
The border remains a sensitive area, according to the UNHCR and Refuge, Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) report, 18,192 people reportedly arrived in camps (5,028 families) as of 7th October 2024. It reports that 97% of the new arrivals are residing with registered families; 74% of them are women and children, 15% of households reported missing members, and 33 % of households with special needs. BDRCS and IFRC is coordinating with UN agencies and the RRRC and sharing continuous updates on the new arrivals, BDRCS is updating the contingency plans and discussing with partners to respond to the crisis subject to the needs and go-ahead from the RRRC. However, 12 health facilities run by BDRCS are constantly providing health services to the new arrivals in the respective camps.
Several security incidents and hazards occurred during the reporting period in both the camps and host communities such as crimes in camps, continued political and civil unrest in Cox’s Bazar, heavy rainfall (≥501 mm) with landslides, flooding and strong wind, and explosions, gun firing and armed clashes reported along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. The law enforcement agency arrested several people accused of assault, unlawful possession of weapons, murder, and drug trafficking.