BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

The Rohingya Crisis and the Host Community of Bangladesh: A Human Security Perspective

Author: Mahabuba Islam Meem

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2023v42nS1a3

ABSTRACT

The paper is set to examine the impacts of the Rohingya crisis on the human security of the host community of Bangladesh. The study specifically focuses on the econom ic and community security of the host community in Ukhiya Upazila of Cox's Bazar. It also evaluates the conditions that can tum these inse.curities protracted in the foture. The conceptual framework of the study is built using the theories of Social Identity, Relative Deprivation, and Protracted Social Conilict to highlight different aspects of economic and community inse.curities. The study is based on both qualitative and quantitative data. A survey has been conducted among 200 local inhabitants of Ukhiya Upazila to consider their perceptions and interviews were taken from various sectors to gather more in-depth information about the socio-economic insecurities and the overall crisis. The data analysis of the study shows that econom ic insecurities among the host community rise from the fall in daily wages, local market failures, increase in the price of daily conunodities, and unemployment rate. On the other hand, communi ty insecurities have emerged through competing identities, deprivation of basic needs, a sense of being minorities among the local population, increasing crime rates, and security threats. The findings of the smdy suggest that econom ic underdevelopment and injustice resulting from these key aspects can tum the insecurities of the host conununity protracted in nature. The paper will lay the path for farther research on the human security of the host community in Bangladesh and help policymakers take necessary initiatives inthis regard.