Financial inclusion for Rohingyas emphasised

Humanitarian practitioners and development leaders have stressed the importance of financial inclusion for the Rohingya community alongside skills development initiatives to improve livelihoods and strengthen resilience in refugee camps in Cox's Bazar.

The observations came at a workshop titled "Financial Inclusion for the Rohingya: Perspectives and Possibilities", organised by BRAC's Humanitarian Crisis Management Programme (HCMP) with support from UK Aid on Tuesday in Cox's Bazar, according to a press release.

Speakers highlighted several possible initiatives to expand financial inclusion among Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs), including digital cash and Mobile Financial Services (MFS), partnerships with banks and MFS providers, financial literacy programmes, women-focused inclusion efforts, and youth engagement in digital income-generating activities.

Speaking as chief guest, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) Mohammed Mizanur Rahman said BRAC's initiative reflects the practical realities on the ground and deserves appreciation. 

Highlighting the demographic challenge in the camps, he noted that nearly 52 per cent of the Rohingya population are under 18 years of age. "Without productive engagement, many young people may become vulnerable to human trafficking and other criminal activities. The priority now is to involve them in constructive and meaningful work," he said.