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Rohingya Refugee Camp in Bangladesh Faces Intensified Hardship During Ramadan
Rohingya Refugees Endure Difficult Ramadan
Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, is home to a Rohingya refugee camp housing approximately 1.2 million refugees. During Ramadan, refugees face the arduous daily task of collecting water. Mothers like Sommiaraj Begum lament that fetching water from steep hillsides is even more challenging while fasting. Unlike their homeland of Myanmar, Ramadan here lacks freedom, and dependence on external aid has diminished life's joy, she stated.
Children also shoulder responsibilities, helping their families collect water or carry supplies. Despite the harsh conditions, refugee families strive to preserve Ramadan traditions, gathering at sunset for Iftar to break their fast. Across the camps, children attend nightly prayers at mosques or study in learning centers, maintaining hope. Young Rohingya volunteers operate these centers to ensure children receive at least some basic schooling.
International Support and Uncertain Future
During Ramadan, aid organizations like the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) have increased their support for refugee families. Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, stated that efforts are being made to ensure refugees can live a minimum dignified life, and food, Ramadan, and Iftar packages have already been distributed. However, this support alone is not sufficient.
The video highlights that Rohingya Muslims are asking an 'unclear question': 'How many more Ramadans will they have to spend like this, living in harsh conditions far from home?' The answer, it notes, depends on who takes responsibility: Bangladesh, the country hosting them; Myanmar, the country they fled; or the international community. Until that question is answered, the future of the Rohingya refugees remains uncertain.
*Source: YouTube: TRT World (2026-03-14)*
