Attachments
Context
The ongoing population movement crisis continues as a protracted crisis, with over 1,005,5201 individuals displaced from Myanmar since 2017. Since August 2024, around 50,000 new arrivals have joined this vulnerable group, many of whom are living in overcrowded camp settlements alongside affected local communities. As of December 2024, a total of 36,539 displaced individuals have been relocated to Bhasanchar. The demographic breakdown indicates that 51% of the population are women, while men constitute 49%. Children make up 52% of the total population, with adults at 44% and older individuals at 4%. Notably, 6.22% of this population consists of extremely vulnerable individuals (EVIs), including 3.03% of people with disabilities (PWDs). In the host communities of Cox’s Bazar, approximately 445,972 individuals have been adversely affected by this influx. The demographic characteristics—predominantly consisting of women, children, and those in vulnerable situations—combined with the prolonged crisis, highlight the significant strain on available resources. Additionally, frequent multi-hazard events such as cyclones, heavy rains, floods, landslides, and fires have further exacerbated the challenging living conditions.
Since November 2024, a truce among four armed groups operating in the camps, led by the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) Bangladesh, has contributed to a reduction in the number of deaths. However, incidents of kidnappings have increased during this period, highlighting continued security challenges. The overall security situation in the camps remains complex, with ongoing criminal activities, abductions, and clashes between armed groups. Three farmers were kidnapped by armed miscreants, leading to a conflict with locals that resulted in three individuals sustaining bullet injuries. Illegal drug trafficking, including Yaba, liquor, and other substances, remains a persistent issue.
Several drug dealers have been arrested in recent operations, but the trade continues to pose significant security risks. The security situation is further exacerbated by cross-border tensions amid a full-scale battle between the Arakan Army and Myanmar’s military. This conflict has led to the displacement of approximately 50,000 people, many of whom have sought shelter with relatives across 14 camps. BDRCS has active operations in seven of these camps, providing humanitarian assistance to the affected populations. While the truce has contributed to a temporary reduction in fatalities, the security environment in the Cox’s Bazar camps remains volatile, with rising kidnapping incidents, ongoing criminal activities, and increasing pressures from cross-border conflicts. Continued monitoring and coordinated interventions are essential to addressing these challenges.