Rohingya Crisis: Security Implications on Bangladesh and Ways Ahead
Abstract
The Muslim ethnic group residing in the north-western part of the Rakhine State of Myanmar (MN) is known as Rohingya. Despite the historical proof, MN does not accept the Rohingya as its integral population as it considers them illegal 'Bengali' immigrants. The MN military has conducted periodic ethnic cleansing with "a genocidal intent" to uproot the Rohingya from the Rakhine state, which led to the forcible displacement of the Rohingya in Bangladesh (BD). The Rohingya influx in BD has caused security concerns, including increased violence, drug trafficking, and a general decrease in law and order. Moreover, the Rohingya refugee crisis has exacerbated Bangladesh's current economic, social, and environmental challenges. Unsolved, these problems may lead to national security crises, and BD may continually face grave economic, social, and ecological challenges. The study aims to find options for the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) to reduce or eliminate the national security challenges associated with the Rohingya refugee crisis without removing the Rohingya population by force. The author reviewed the existing literature to propose a theory of change following the qualitative comparative case study approach. The author's thesis was to explore ways and means to increase international pressure on MN to accept repatriation through the use of diplomatic actions at the UN and other IOs and actors. Alternatively, he explored the revised theory of change if MN refuses to repatriate the Rohingya. Against this backdrop, this paper intended to identify the challenges for BD in finding a sustainable means of Rohingya return to MN; ways and means to maintain the congenial security situation in BD overcoming the obstacles; and develop suitable alternative options if return of the Rohingya to MN is stalled or unsuccessful.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 10, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1210408
Entities
People
- Nahid-uz-zaman Khan
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College