Caught Between Desperation and Danger: Why Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh Continue to Risk Perilous Sea Journeys

English | Myanmar

Introduction

(a) Main Focus

This report examines the factors and circumstances driving Rohingya refugees to leave refugee camps in Bangladesh and undertake dangerous journeys to other countries. It explores the humanitarian, socioeconomic, and security conditions within the camps, as well as the motivations behind onward migration despite the significant risks involved.

(b) Geographic Scope

Rohingya refugee camps are located in Bangladesh, particularly those in the Cox’s Bazar region and surrounding areas hosting displaced Rohingya populations.

(c) Time Period

March 2024 – April 2026

In 2017, under the pretext of “clearance operations,” the Myanmar military committed atrocities that escalated to the level of genocide, forcing hundreds of thousands of Rohingya from the northern Rakhine State, Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships to flee to neighboring Bangladesh. Currently, these refugees are dependent almost entirely on international organizations, including the United Nations and the Government of Bangladesh, for their basic necessities, education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and physical security. While the humanitarian aid provided barely meets their necessities, the Rohingya refugees face strict prohibitions against legal employment within Bangladesh. Furthermore, they are restricted from constructing residential shelters and establishing school facilities.

On the other hand, international organizations are facing a severe funding crisis, forcing them to reduce essential aid for food, education, and healthcare for the millions of Rohingya living in the refugee camps. Consequently, the Bangladeshi government has implemented restrictive measures along the border to prevent Rohingya refugees from crossing.

Nevertheless, the renewed clashes between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military have driven a fresh influx of Rohingya across the border. The Bangladesh government does not officially recognise the Rohingya as "refugees" and instead categorises them as "Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals" (FDMN).

However, as they face multifaceted challenges and restrictive living conditions in the country, they are increasingly seeking ways to flee Bangladesh for third countries, intending to resettle there.

This study is primarily based on reports from regional media and human rights organizations, statements from international bodies including the United Nations, official releases from the governments of both countries, and interviews conducted directly by our Centre for Arakan Studies (CAS).

Summary

5th May 2024

Human Traffickers Extort Up to £3,000 per Fleeing Rohingya

Amidst the proliferation of human trafficking networks, Rohingya refugees are facing high mortality rates, severe torture, and systemic abuse during perilous maritime journeys. As conditions within the Bangladeshi refugee camps deteriorate daily, these individuals are risking everything they own to flee to Southeast Asia in search of freedom and employment opportunities. However, upon beginning their journey, human traffickers exploit their desperation, extorting up to approximately £3,000 per refugee.

October 19, 2024

Rohingya Found Dead During Escape from Myanmar

Monks outside a monastery in a remote area in southern Thailand found a group of Rohingya refugees in distress on October 17 and alerted the police. At least 10 were in critical condition, many unconscious. Two were dead. Survivors were taken to hospitals in Chumphon province, south of Bangkok. One is reported to have since died.

24th October 2024

The Rohingya community has been facing the gravest threats since 2017

Newly arrived Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh need urgent access to food, shelter and medical assistance after enduring the worst violence against their communities since the Myanmar military-led campaign in 2017, Amnesty International stated. New arrivals in particular expressed concern that they were unable to register with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to access essential support. As a result, many are going without meals and are afraid to venture out for fear of deportation, even when in need of medical care.

4th April 2025

Myanmar confirms 180,000 Rohingya eligible to return, Bangladesh says

Myanmar has confirmed that 180,000 Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh since fleeing their homeland are eligible to return, according to the Bangladeshi government. Shafiqur Rahman, a Rohingya refugee, told Reuters: “After so many years, they have only verified 180,000 people. It feels like nothing more than an illusion. We want a genuine solution.” He further stated, “Myanmar must unconditionally repatriate everyone, rather than selectively accepting only certain individuals among us. They must also recognize all our rightful rights, including our citizenship. Without these guarantees, this process holds absolutely no meaning for us.”

24 May 2025

UN fears 427 Rohingya perished at sea in search of safe shelter

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) expressed concern on Friday that 427 Rohingya may have perished at sea after two boat tragedies off the coast of Myanmar earlier this month in search of safe refuge. Nearly 1 in 5 people attempting sea movementsin the region have been reported dead or missing in 2025, making the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal among the deadliest ... Read More

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