Impact Analysis: The Rohingya Crisis and Its Socio-Economic Ramifications for Bangladesh

S M Zakaria Hussain

Abstract: The Rohingya crisis, triggered by violent persecution in Myanmar in August 2017, has profoundly impacted both the refugees and the host community in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. This study uses mixed methods, including qualitative and quantitative analyses, ethnographic research, and document analysis, to examine the Composite Social Impact Index (CSII) and Composite Economic Impact Index (CEII). The displacement of over 1.1 million Rohingya to Cox's Bazar has resulted in minimal interaction with the host community and fears of cultural erosion. Hygiene issues are significant, with compromised access to clean water and sanitation, groundwater degradation, and mismanaged waste disposal, leading to health risks. Education disparities are stark, as 76.92% of Rohingya children lack formal education, while the host community faces rising educational costs. Housing concerns affect both communities due to deforestation and hill-cutting for shelters, resulting in inadequate housing and safety issues. The economic impact includes challenges with foreign aid management, food security, and labor market disruptions, where Rohingya refugees accept lower wages, affecting local employment. Environmental degradation, water scarcity, and ineffective waste management necessitate sustainable resource practices. Tourism perspectives differ, with Rohingya viewing their presence as beneficial, while locals? express concerns about security and environmental impacts. This study highlights the socio-economic challenges of the Rohingya influx and emphasizes the need for urgent mitigation strategies. Recommendations include enhancing social integration, improving hygiene, ensuring inclusive education, providing sustainable housing, managing aid transparently, securing food, developing targeted employment strategies, and conserving natural resources. Collaborative efforts among government bodies, NGOs, and communities are crucial for a unified response, facilitating coexistence and sustainable development in Cox's Bazar.

Keywords: Rohingya Crisis, Socio-Economic Impact, Cox's Bazar, Refugee Integration, Sustainable Development