Societal impacts of the Rohingya refugee presence in Bangladesh’s border communities: Tensions and transformations

This study examines how the attitudes of local host communities in Teknaf-Ukhia, Bangladesh, have changed in response to the large-scale influx of Rohingya refugees that started in August 2017. Refugee crises, especially in developing countries, often become long-lasting, putting sustained pressure on host communities with limited resources. Using a comprehensive community survey of 6825 households conducted between 2020 and 2022, we analyzed perceptions of social, economic, and environmental changes related to the presence of refugees. Results show a notable shift in public sentiment, from initial sympathy to increased frustration and tension later on. Major concerns among host communities include forest degradation, wage competition, rising living costs, and heightened insecurity. Despite these issues, some respondents recognized benefits such as increased NGO activity, improved roads, and better access to healthcare. However, the overall perceived decline in the quality of relationships and trust between host and refugee communities highlights growing social strain. These findings underscore the pressing need for inclusive development strategies that equitably support both refugee and host populations. Policies should focus not only on meeting the humanitarian needs of refugees but also on alleviating the socio-economic pressures on host communities to foster long-term social cohesion and environmental sustainability.