Cox’s Bazar NGOs demand repatriation commission, oppose permanent Rohingya shelters

Local elected representatives and civil society leaders in Cox’s Bazar on Monday demanded the formation of a Rohingya Repatriation Commission and called for stronger border security, saying the prolonged refugee crisis is posing risks to Bangladesh’s national security and local environment.

The demands came at a press conference titled “Sovereignty must be upheld in Cox’s Bazar; participation of local government and people in Rohingya relief activities is essential,” organized by the Cox’s Bazar CSO�"NGO Forum (CCNF), according to a press release.

Moderating the event, CCNF Co-Chair Rezaul Karim Chowdhury urged the government to strengthen border security in Ukhia and Teknaf by increasing the presence of the Border Guard Bangladesh and the Army. 

He also called for sustained diplomatic pressure through ASEAN and dialogue with the Arakan Army to accelerate Rohingya repatriation.

Speakers criticized the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other UN agencies for allegedly excluding local NGOs from humanitarian partnerships while working with international organizations. They also expressed concern over the construction of permanent shelters in Rohingya camps.

CCNF Member Secretary Zahangir Alam alleged that UNHCR, through BRAC and Infinix, had started building permanent-structure shelters without consulting local authorities or political leaders, creating resentment among residents. He warned that such infrastructure could encourage further refugee influx.

Representatives of COAST Foundation and other local organizations also raised concerns over unequal funding distribution, environmental degradation, groundwater depletion, and lack of local representation in Rohingya crisis management mechanisms.

Environmental activist Md. Ilias Mia said around 8,000 acres of forest land had been destroyed for refugee camps, while local representatives alleged that camp waste and groundwater extraction were damaging agriculture and water resources in surrounding areas.