Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh elect a new leadership council to improve camp conditions and negotiate their safe return to Myanmar
COX’S BAZAR: Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have elected a new leadership council, hoping it can improve camp conditions and revive efforts to secure their return to Myanmar.
The United Council of Rohang (UCR) was formed after elections in July involving over 3,000 voters from 33 camps. The camps in Cox’s Bazar are home to 1.7 million Rohingya, many who fled a 2017 military crackdown.
The council aims to be the voice of the Rohingya in negotiations for their repatriation. “UCR wants to emerge as the voice of the Rohingyas on the negotiation table,” UCR president Mohammad Sayed Ullah told AFP.
Refugees expressed hope the new body could address their dire living conditions and uncertain future. “They are working to take us home,” said refugee Khairul Islam, 37.
He described the cramped and hot camp rooms, contrasting them with his former life in Myanmar. “Back in Myanmar, we didn’t even need a ceiling fan,” Islam said.
The council’s formation follows previous failed attempts to organise the refugee community. Several groups emerged after 2017 but were shut down after a major 2019 rally.
Prominent activist Mohib Ullah, who led one group, was murdered in 2021. “The hardest blow was the assassination of Mohib Ullah,” Sayed Ullah said.
Many refugees have begun approaching the new council with complaints against local leaders. An AFP reporter saw more than a dozen Rohingya waiting outside the UCR office with various grievances.
Analysts question whether the council can genuinely represent refugee interests. “The UCR ‘elections’ appear to have been closely controlled by the authorities,” said Thomas Kean of the International Crisis Group.
Security threats from armed groups also undermine efforts for political dialogue. Groups like the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army continue to operate in the camps.
A report by Fortify Rights said at least 65 Rohingyas were killed in 2024. “Violence and killings in the Rohingya camps need to stop,” activist John Quinley was quoted as saying.
Despite challenges, some refugees believe the council can help. “UCR will negotiate for better education,” said 18-year-old Mosharraf. “If we are better educated, we can build global consensus for our return.”
