Border News Agency - English Edition

15/02/2025

Due to the decisive war in Arakan, ongoing displacement, rising input costs, difficulties in selling paddy, and unstable market prices, farmers have reduced their cultivation areas.

Agricultural organizations and farmers say the uncertainty in profits has led to this decline.

Written by Khine Zaw Since the start of the decisive war in Arakan, the Myanmar junta has blocked all trade routes, including land and water transport, halting the flow of goods. As a result, the entire Arakan population has been facing numerous challenges, including difficulties in food, livelihood...

14/02/2025

A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday at around 12:30 AM in Kutupalong Lambashia, Camp 1W, one of the largest Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. Within an hour, the blaze spread rapidly, destroying more than 400 shelters and leaving hundreds of families displaced.

A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday at around 12:30 AM in Kutupalong Lambashia, Camp 1W, one of the largest Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. Within an hour, the blaze spread rapidly, destroying more than 400 shelters and leaving hundreds of families displaced. Accordi...

14/02/2025

"My son lost both his legs in a landmine blast while fleeing Myanmar. Here in the camp, we have no wheelchair, no proper toilet for him, and no way for him to move around freely," said Fatima Begum, a Rohingya mother living in Kutupalong camp.

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh Amid the sprawling refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, home to nearly a million Rohingya refugees, one of the most vulnerable groups continues to suffer in silence: persons with disabilities. While the humanitarian crisis of the Rohingya has drawn global attention, the struggle...

13/02/2025

A newly arrived refugee, who currently sleeps in a temporary hut made of plastic sheets and bamboo, expressed his concerns: “We have been living in miserable conditions, with no proper food, no proper shelter, and no hope for a better life. If these new houses are for us, it would be a great relief. But so far, no one has told us anything officially. We are just waiting, hoping for help."

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh Construction of new shelters is currently underway in the Camp 4 extension of the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. The development has raised speculation among refugees and humanitarian workers, with many believing that these shelters are meant for newly arrived Roh...

13/02/2025

While the humanitarian crisis of the Rohingya has drawn global attention, the struggles of those living with disabilities both acquired and pre-existing have been largely overlooked, leaving them to endure immense hardship with little to no support.

The Rohingya exodus from Myanmar in 2017 was marked by brutal military operations, including mass killings, sexual violence, and arson, leading to one of the largest refugee crises in recent history.

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh Amid the sprawling refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, home to nearly a million Rohingya refugees, one of the most vulnerable groups continues to suffer in silence: persons with disabilities. While the humanitarian crisis of the Rohingya has drawn global attention, the struggle...

11/02/2025

Rohingya Children Forced to Play on Roads Due to Lack of Playgrounds

Border News Agency
Bangladesh, 11, February 2025

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – With no proper playgrounds in the Rohingya refugee camps, young boys have no choice but to play on the roads, putting their lives at risk. The narrow, crowded pathways within the camps have become their only space for recreation, even as vehicles and pedestrians move through constantly.

The lack of safe play areas has long been a concern for Rohingya families, who fear for their children’s well-being. Parents worry about accidents and injuries, but they also recognize that play is essential for a child’s growth and mental health. Without designated playgrounds, children are forced to find any open space they can, often leading to dangerous situations.

A refugee father in Camp 07, expressed his distress, saying, “Children need to play, but there is no place for them. They run on the roads because they have nowhere else to go. We worry every day that an accident might happen.”

The overcrowded camps were never designed to accommodate such a large population, and open spaces for children were never prioritized. Over the years, as shelters expanded and infrastructure grew, the little space that once existed for children to play has disappeared.

The situation is not just a safety concern,it also affects the well-being of the refugee children. Many of them have already suffered immense trauma from being forcibly displaced from Myanmar. Psychologists and child development experts stress that play is crucial for children recovering from trauma, as it helps them express emotions, build friendships, and maintain a sense of normalcy in their disrupted lives.

Humanitarian organizations working in the camps have made efforts to set up temporary child-friendly spaces, but these are often too few in number and unable to accommodate all the children in need. Refugee leaders and community activists are calling for the establishment of dedicated play areas where children can enjoy their childhood safely.

“The international community must recognize that children in refugee camps deserve a safe environment to grow up in,” said a Rohingya youth volunteer. “If we truly care about their future, we need to give them proper spaces to play, learn, and heal from the hardships they have faced.”

Until such changes happen, Rohingya children will continue to play on the roads, facing the daily risk of accidents in the only space available to them.

Photo: BNA

11/02/2025

Rohingya Refugees Struggle to Rebuild Shelters as NGOs Provide Limited Aid

Border News Agency
Bangladesh,11 February 2025

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh — Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh’s overcrowded camps are struggling to rebuild their fragile shelters as seasonal storms continue to cause destruction. Every year, humanitarian organizations distribute bamboo, tarpaulin, and ropes to help refugees repair their homes, but these materials are provided in limited quantities, far from enough to fully rebuild shelters that are already weak and deteriorating.

Recent strong winds have once again exposed the vulnerability of these makeshift homes. According to local reports, more than 200 shelters in Camp 4 and Camp 17 were severely damaged last week, leaving many families homeless. The affected refugees were forced to seek temporary refuge with neighbors or in overcrowded community spaces.

“Our shelter was already weak, and when the wind came, it just collapsed,” said Noor Hussain, a refugee who has been living in the camp since 2017. “Now, my family is sleeping on the muddy ground because we have no extra bamboo or tarpaulin to rebuild.”

Since 2017, nearly one million Rohingya refugees have been living in makeshift shelters made from bamboo and tarpaulin after fleeing a brutal military crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. The United Nations has described the persecution of the Rohingya as a genocide, yet six years later, the refugees continue to face harsh conditions in the camps, with no clear future.

The shelters they live in are not strong enough to withstand seasonal rains and strong winds. Many are built on hilly terrain, increasing the risk of landslides during monsoon season. With aid funding decreasing over time, the materials available for repairs are becoming even more scarce.

“We have no proper walls, no doors, and when the wind comes, we don’t know if our shelter will stand or fall,” said Hamida Begum, a mother of three living in Balukhali camp. “When it rains, the water leaks inside, and our children get sick.”

The recent reduction in food aid has made the situation even worse. With the World Food Programme (WFP) cutting monthly food rations from $12 to $10 per person last year, many families struggled to buy essentials. However, with recent adjustments, the food ration has increased to $12 per person, which has slightly eased the pressure on families. Even so, refugees say it is still not enough to cover their daily needs, forcing many to seek alternative ways to earn money.

Medical facilities inside the camps are also struggling due to a lack of resources. Many refugees report difficulty in accessing treatment for common illnesses, which are worsened by poor living conditions.

“The shelters are hot in the summer, freezing in the winter, and flood easily during the rainy season. The lack of proper shelter affects our health, but when we go to the clinic, there are not enough medicines,” said refugee Mohammad Ilyas.

As monsoon season approaches, concerns are growing about further destruction in the camps. Rohingya leaders and humanitarian organizations are urging the international community to increase support for stronger shelter materials and other essential aid.

Despite these hardships, Rohingya refugees continue to hope for a permanent solution. Many wish to return to Myanmar but only if their rights, citizenship, and safety are ensured. Until then, they remain trapped in uncertainty, struggling under bamboo and tarpaulin, withstanding each storm as it comes.

11/02/2025

Rohingya Refugees Struggle to Survive Through Small Roadside Businesses Amid Restrictions and Challenges

Border News Agency
Bangladesh, 11 February 2025

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – In the crowded Rohingya refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, thousands of refugees face daily struggles to meet their basic needs. With limited job opportunities and heavy restrictions on movement and employment, many Rohingya have turned to small roadside businesses, selling vegetables, snacks, fish, tea, and other goods to support their families. However, running these informal businesses comes with its own set of challenges, from crackdowns by authorities to rising costs and limited access to supplies.

For many Rohingya, these small businesses are not just a means of earning money but a lifeline for survival. Abdur Rahman, 35, a refugee from Camp 12, sells fresh vegetables and dried fish on a small mat by the roadside. "I started this business because my family needs food, and there is no other way to earn money," he said. "We are not allowed to work outside the camps, and there is no proper aid for everyone. Selling a few goods helps me feed my children."

Similarly, Fatima Begum, a widowed mother of three, runs a small tea stall near her shelter. "Every day, I wake up early to prepare tea and snacks for the people in the camp," she said. "I don’t earn much, but at least it helps me buy some rice and oil for my children."

Despite their efforts, many Rohingya business owners face harassment from camp authorities and local law enforcement. Since refugees are officially not allowed to engage in business activities, many traders live in fear of their stalls being destroyed or their goods confiscated.

"There are days when we see the authorities coming, and we have to run away with whatever we can carry," Rahman said. "If they catch us, they destroy our goods and take everything. It is heartbreaking because this is all we have."
Many refugees also report being forced to pay bribes to continue their business. "Sometimes, we have to pay money to certain people so they don’t disturb us," said a young man selling fruits in Camp 9. "If we don’t pay, we lose our only source of income."

Another major challenge is the rising cost of goods and the difficulty in accessing supplies. Because the camps are heavily restricted, many traders rely on middlemen to bring in goods, which increases prices.

"We buy our goods from Bangladeshi traders at high prices, so we have to sell at higher rates too," explained Fatima. "But many people in the camps are poor and can’t afford to buy much, so business is always difficult."
The recent reduction in food aid has made the situation even worse. With the World Food Programme (WFP) cutting monthly food rations from $12 to $10 per person last year, many families struggled to buy essentials. However, with recent adjustments, the food ration has increased to $12 per person, which has slightly eased the pressure on families. Even so, refugees say it is still not enough to cover their daily needs, forcing many to seek alternative ways to earn money.

Despite the difficulties, many Rohingya remain hopeful that one day they will have better opportunities to work and support their families. "We are not asking for much," said Rahman. "We just want to work and feed our families with dignity. If we are given the chance, we can support ourselves and not rely on aid forever."

For now, Rohingya refugees in the camps continue to struggle, finding ways to survive under harsh conditions. Their small roadside businesses are a symbol of their resilience, but without proper rights and opportunities, their future remains uncertain.

11/02/2025

Rohingya Football League 2024-25 Kicks Off to Promote Unity and Sportsmanship

Border News Agency
Bangladesh, 11 february 2025

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, The highly anticipated Rohingya Football League 2024-25 is set to begin, bringing together young athletes from the Rohingya community in a spirited celebration of sportsmanship and unity. Organized by the Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) in collaboration with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), Turkish Red Crescent, and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), the tournament aims to foster solidarity, resilience, and joy among the refugee population.

Building on the success of previous editions, the tournament seeks to strengthen social cohesion within the Rohingya community while providing a platform for young footballers to showcase their talent. It also serves as a vital source of entertainment and motivation, offering a sense of normalcy and hope to thousands living in the refugee camps.

The inauguration ceremony will be graced by Mohammed Mizanur Rahman (Additional Secretary), the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), as the Chief Guest. His presence underscores the significance of this event in promoting community engagement and youth empowerment.

The Rohingya Football League is more than just a sporting event it is a celebration of resilience, teamwork, and the unbreakable spirit of the Rohingya people. The organizers encourage participation and support from the community to make this event a grand success.

For updates and match schedules, stay tuned to local announcements and community networks.

11/02/2025

WFP Resumes Ration Distribution in Rohingya Camps, Covering Gaps in Supply

Border News Agency
Bangladesh, 11 February 2025

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – The World Food Programme (WFP) has resumed the distribution of monthly food rations across all Rohingya refugee camps today, bringing much-needed relief to thousands of displaced families. The initiative comes after a significant gap of more than a week, which left many refugees struggling to secure enough food for survival.

To address this crisis, WFP has announced that rations will now be distributed even on weekends to ensure that all registered refugees receive their food supplies on time. This move aims to prevent further delays and reduce the risk of food shortages in the overcrowded camps.

Ration gaps have been a growing concern among Rohingya refugees, who depend entirely on humanitarian aid for their daily meals. Many families had run out of essential food items due to the extended delay in distribution, forcing them to rely on borrowed food or reduced meals.

A refugee in Camp 11 shared his struggle, saying, “We have been waiting for our rations for days. Many people had nothing left to eat, and children were going to sleep hungry. This delay caused immense hardship.”

WFP officials have acknowledged the difficulties faced by refugees and have assured that all beneficiaries will receive their full food rations. They have also confirmed that efforts are being made to improve the distribution process to prevent future delays.

The Rohingya camps in Bangladesh house nearly one million refugees, most of whom fled Myanmar following military crackdowns in 2017. Food aid remains their primary source of sustenance, as refugees are not allowed to work or earn a livelihood. Any disruption in food distribution poses a serious risk to their well-being, particularly for children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Humanitarian organizations and refugee leaders have welcomed WFP’s decision to extend ration distribution to weekends and address the gaps. However, they stress the need for a long-term solution to ensure food security for Rohingya refugees, as funding cuts and logistical challenges continue to threaten aid programs.

As the distribution continues, refugees are hopeful that food supplies will now reach them consistently and without further delays, allowing them to focus on their survival amidst the ongoing uncertainty of their future.

10/02/2025

Rohingya Woman Dies Due to Lack of Proper Treatment, Raising Concerns Over Healthcare in Refugee Camps

Border News Agency
Bangladesh, 10, February 2025

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – A Rohingya woman tragically lost her life during childbirth due to the lack of proper medical treatment in the refugee camps. The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with many blaming humanitarian organizations, including MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières), for failing to provide urgent and adequate care.

According to eyewitnesses, the woman experienced serious complications during delivery, but when her family rushed her to the nearest NGO hospital, she was not treated as a high-priority case. Delays and inadequate medical response ultimately cost her life. This heartbreaking incident has once again exposed the fragile healthcare system in the Rohingya refugee camps, where medical facilities remain severely limited despite the presence of international aid organizations.

A video circulating among refugees shows a grieving man, believed to be a relative of the deceased woman, appealing to the world for justice. In the video, he demands immediate action to improve healthcare services in the camps, calling the situation “unfair and offensive” against the Rohingya people. He urges authorities and humanitarian agencies to take responsibility and establish better-equipped hospitals to prevent further deaths.

“This is not the first time we have lost a mother due to poor medical care,” said a Rohingya community leader. “Many women die in childbirth because the hospitals here do not have enough doctors, equipment, or emergency services. When we seek help, we are often told to wait, but in many cases, waiting means death.”

The refugee community has long raised concerns about the poor quality of healthcare in the camps. Many hospitals lack advanced medical facilities, experienced doctors, and sufficient medicine. Pregnant women, children, and elderly refugees are among the most vulnerable, as the available healthcare services often fail to meet their urgent needs.

Humanitarian workers acknowledge that healthcare facilities in the camps are under strain, but many refugees believe that organizations are not doing enough to improve the situation. While international NGOs operate several clinics and hospitals, there is growing frustration over delayed responses and lack of proper emergency treatment.

“We understand the challenges of managing healthcare in a refugee crisis, but no woman should die while giving birth,” said a Rohingya volunteer who assists patients in the camps. “The NGOs have a duty to ensure that no life is lost due to neglect.”

The tragic death of this Rohingya woman has reignited demands for better medical services in the camps. Community members are calling on the Bangladesh government, international organizations, and donor agencies to take immediate steps to improve healthcare facilities, hire more skilled medical staff, and ensure that life-threatening cases are treated as urgent priorities.

For now, the pain of another preventable loss weighs heavily on the refugee community, as they continue to struggle for dignity and basic human rights in their fragile existence.

09/02/2025

WFP Resumes Food Distribution in Rohingya Camps After Sudden Suspension

Border News Agency
Bangladesh, February 9, 2025

After a week-long suspension, the World Food Programme (WFP) resumed food distribution in the Rohingya refugee camps today. The abrupt halt, which lasted from February 1 to 8, left thousands of vulnerable families without their essential rations, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the already fragile camps.

WFP has not publicly disclosed the reason for the temporary suspension. However, the timing coincides with the recent U.S. aid freeze, raising concerns about how international policy decisions directly affect Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The sudden disruption exacerbated food insecurity, forcing many families to rely on borrowed supplies or reduce their daily intake.

“We had no food for days, and many of us had to share whatever little we had,” said a Rohingya refugee from the camp. “We depend entirely on these rations, and any delay puts us in a desperate situation.”

The Rohingya community, already facing severe restrictions on livelihood opportunities, remains at the mercy of international aid. With funding shortfalls and global political shifts threatening future assistance, humanitarian organizations have warned that food crises could worsen if sustainable solutions are not secured.

While today’s resumption of food distribution brings temporary relief, the uncertainty surrounding aid cuts serves as a stark reminder of the precarious conditions Rohingya refugees endure. Advocates urge the international community to ensure uninterrupted humanitarian support to prevent further suffering in one of the world’s largest refugee settlements.

In addition to the harsh weather, the lack of food and medical care is worsening the crisis. Many refugees have not been officially registered, meaning they are not receiving food rations or healthcare services. Humanitarian groups have warned that without urgent intervention, the situation could lead to further suffering and loss of life.

The Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have faced years of hardship since the military crackdown in Myanmar forced over 700,000 people to flee in 2017. Now, as a new wave of refugees arrives, they find themselves in an equally dire situation, struggling to survive in a place that is meant to offer safety.

Community members and human rights groups are calling on international organizations, NGOs, and the Bangladeshi government to address this growing crisis. They emphasize that immediate winter aid, including blankets, proper shelter, and medical supplies, is critical to preventing further suffering.

As the winter continues, the fate of these refugees remains uncertain. Without urgent action, their struggle for survival will only become more desperate.

09/02/2025

Gas Cylinder Fire in Camp-22, Block A4 Quickly Contained

Border News Agency
Bangladesh, February 9, 2025

At approximately 12 PM today, a fire erupted in Camp-22, Block A4, originating from a gas cylinder. The swift response of residents, the blaze was brought under control and extinguished within minutes, preventing significant damage and injuries.

This incident highlights the ongoing fire risks within the Rohingya refugee camps. In recent months, several fires have caused substantial harm:

December 24, 2024: A massive fire in the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox's Bazar resulted in at least two fatalities and left over 4,000 individuals homeless.

January 7, 2024: A devastating blaze in Camp 5 of the Cox's Bazar refugee camps rendered 3,500 children homeless and destroyed 20 learning facilities, affecting the education of 1,500 children.

These recurring incidents underscore the urgent need for enhanced fire safety measures within the camps. Authorities and humanitarian organizations are urged to implement comprehensive fire prevention strategies, conduct safety training, and improve infrastructure to mitigate future risks.

The community's prompt action today in Camp-22 prevented a potential disaster, reflecting the resilience and solidarity among the residents. However, the frequency of such fires calls for immediate and sustained interventions to ensure the safety and well-being of all camp inhabitants.

09/02/2025

Newly Arrived Rohingya Refugees Face Extreme Hardship Amid Harsh Winter

Border News Agency
Bangladesh, 09 February 2025

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – As winter tightens its grip, newly arrived Rohingya refugees are struggling to survive in the harsh conditions of the world’s largest refugee settlement. Since the end of last year, many refugees have arrived in Bangladesh, fleeing fresh violence in Myanmar. However, they have found little relief in the camps, where resources are already stretched thin, and support from aid organizations has been slow to reach them.

Many of these new arrivals initially sought shelter with relatives in the camps, hoping that NGOs and humanitarian agencies would step in to provide assistance. However, the expected help has not arrived. Overcrowding in small makeshift shelters has forced some families to turn away their relatives, as they simply do not have enough space, food, or supplies to accommodate them. As a result, many of the newly arrived refugees are now sleeping in the open, exposed to the bitter winter cold.

With limited access to proper shelter, warm clothing, and heating, these refugees face life-threatening conditions. Children, the elderly, and those with health conditions are especially vulnerable to respiratory infections, hypothermia, and other winter-related illnesses. According to local reports, several individuals, particularly infants and older adults, have already fallen seriously ill due to the freezing temperatures.

“I have been here for two months, and I still don’t have a proper shelter,” said an elderly refugee woman, who arrived from Maungdaw with her grandchildren. “At night, we sleep under a thin plastic sheet. The cold is unbearable, and my youngest grandson is sick. We need help, but no one has come.”

Several community leaders and refugee volunteers have raised concerns about the deteriorating situation. They have urged humanitarian agencies and the Bangladeshi authorities to take immediate action to provide emergency winter aid. So far, many of these calls have gone unanswered, leaving thousands of people in desperate conditions.

“The situation is alarming,” said a Rohingya youth volunteer who has been assisting new arrivals. “These refugees left their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They have no blankets, no warm clothes, and no proper shelter. If immediate assistance is not provided, we may see a rise in winter-related deaths.”

In addition to the harsh weather, the lack of food and medical care is worsening the crisis. Many refugees have not been officially registered, meaning they are not receiving food rations or healthcare services. Humanitarian groups have warned that without urgent intervention, the situation could lead to further suffering and loss of life.

The Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have faced years of hardship since the military crackdown in Myanmar forced over 700,000 people to flee in 2017. Now, as a new wave of refugees arrives, they find themselves in an equally dire situation, struggling to survive in a place that is meant to offer safety.

Community members and human rights groups are calling on international organizations, NGOs, and the Bangladeshi government to address this growing crisis. They emphasize that immediate winter aid, including blankets, proper shelter, and medical supplies, is critical to preventing further suffering.

As the winter continues, the fate of these refugees remains uncertain. Without urgent action, their struggle for survival will only become more desperate.

09/02/2025

Arakan Army Releases Over a Hundred Detainees

Border News Agency
Buthidaung, February 9.

The Arakan Army (AA) released some civilian detainees, including family members of junta troops and other captured individuals, who were detained during the final phase of the Arakan war, on February 8.

The released detainees included 40 male and 76 female family members of junta troops, along with 26 civilian prisoners. They were from areas where junta forces had lost control. The Arakan Army (AA) officially transferred them back to their families.

During the final phase of the Arakan war, the Arakan Army (AA) has fully taken control of multiple townships, including Paletwa, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Pauktaw, Kyauktaw, Mrauk U, Minbrar, Myaybon, Ponnakyun, Rambre, Thandwe, Taunggoke, Ann, and Gwa.

Additionally, officials from the Arakan People's Revolutionary Government stated that the AA has detained over 10,000 individuals, including junta troops and their family members.

In the territories controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), the Arakan People's Revolutionary Government is establishing administrative mechanisms to govern the region. According to local residents, they are also assisting with security and reconstruction efforts to support the Arakanese people.

The Arakan Army (AA) stated that as they continue reconstruction efforts and stabilize the region, they will release detainees who are deemed suitable for release under secure conditions.

On December 29 of the previous year, the Arakan Army (AA) announced that it would seek solutions to Myanmar's internal issues through peaceful and diplomatic means.

Photo-APM