Waste generated from Rohingya camps in Ukhia and Teknaf has disrupted agricultural activities on around 300 acres of local farmland, leaving the affected areas abandoned due to the accumulation of garbage and other waste materials, locals and speakers said.
They also expressed concern over alleged illegal cross-border movement through the Myanmar border, drug trafficking inside the camps, and other criminal activities, warning of possible tensions between Rohingya residents and host communities.
The issues were raised at a press conference held at Cox’s Bazar Press Club titled “Establishing Bangladesh’s sovereignty in Cox’s Bazar: The need for local government and public participation,” organised by the Cox’s Bazar CSO–NGO Forum.
Speakers said local interests, employment opportunities, and participation in decision-making must be ensured in managing the Rohingya response. They also demanded that all humanitarian and development activities be implemented with approval from local authorities and in consultation with the host community.
Among those present were Rezaul Karim, executive director of Coast Foundation; Jahangir Alam, member secretary of CCNF; and Helal Uddin, a Union Parishad member from Kutupalong in Ukhia, among others.
The forum alleged that limited local participation in project implementation and fund management has created inequality. It called for greater transparency, accountability, and increased involvement of local institutions, along with priority for locals in NGO and international organisation jobs.
It also demanded inclusion of local government representatives and MPs in camp management frameworks to ensure protection of local interests.
The organisation said slow progress in Rohingya repatriation has increased frustration among host communities, urging the formation of a “Rohingya Repatriation Commission” to oversee the process and ensure information transparency.
They further called for mandatory consultation with local stakeholders before any major decisions regarding the camps and demanded proper use and transparency of the 25% allocation for host communities, including public disclosure of expenditures and beneficiaries.
