More than four tumultuous weeks marked by violent protests have led to the ousting of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister and tragically claimed the lives of over 400 people. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been compelled to suspend several of its essential programs in the nation due to safety concerns and the shutdown of communications networks.

Amidst the crisis, Rohingya refugees—especially women and children—face heightened vulnerabilities and safety concerns.

Learn more about the crisis in Bangladesh and what you can do to help.

What is happening in Bangladesh?

Violent protests have erupted in Bangladesh following the reinstatement of a quota system for civil service roles. Protestors are calling for electoral reform and justice for victims of the unrest. The relentless demonstrations compelled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to leave her post and flee the country.

Authorities resorted to extreme measures, including blocking communication services, enforcing curfews with shoot-on-sight orders and confronting protesters with arms.

More than 400 people have died, 8,000 have been arrested and several thousands of others have been injured.

Reports indicate extensive looting and arson incidents have occurred at the Prime Minister's residence and office, along with various government and private establishments.

Children, women and Rohingya refugees are among those most impacted by escalating insecurity in Bangladesh. The continuous mass protests exacerbate the humanitarian needs of refugees affected by climate-related shocks, like the cyclone and floods that ravaged the Cox’s Bazar refugee camp in 2023.

With tensions high and security uncertain, it is crucial that steps be taken to protect those most at risk during this tumultuous time. The government must prioritize the safety and well-being of children and refugees, providing them with adequate resources and support to weather these challenges.

A boy stands with a soccer ball in a flooded field of the Cox's Bazaar refugee camp.
Flooding in 2023 exacerbated humanitarian needs for Rohingya refugees living in the Cox’s Bazaar refugee camp.
Photo: Jennifer De Perise for the IRC

Who is impacted by the crisis in Bangladesh?

Vulnerable populations, such as Rohingya refugees, women and girls, face pronounced safety and security risks. Ongoing unrest and communication disruptions have forced the IRC to suspend most operations in Bangladesh. Our 24/7 health center in Cox's Bazar refugee camp remains a vital provider of primary and emergency health services.

“For the Rohingya community in Bangladesh, the already catastrophic humanitarian situation demands renewed efforts to bring an end to the violence and to ensure humanitarians can do their jobs,” explains IRC country director for Bangladesh Hasina Rahman.

We must be able to continue with our programming for the nearly one million refugees living in Cox’s Bazar.

Hasina Rahman speaks with a group of IRC clients, outside at the Cox’s Bazaar refugee camp, Bangladesh.
IRC country director for Bangladesh, Hasina Rahman, speaks with IRC clients at Cox’s Bazaar host community, Bangladesh.
Photo: Md. Tasbir Ul Islam for the IRC

How does the IRC provide support in Bangladesh?

The IRC is continuing to respond to humanitarian needs in Bangladesh through our 24/7 health center in Cox’s Bazar refugee camp.

We are striving to reinstate various programs in Bangladesh, encompassing the provision of reproductive, maternal, and overall health services, child protection, education, Gender-Based Violence prevention and response and Emergency Disaster Risk Reduction services.

Since 2021, the IRC has supported communities in southern Bangladesh in health, protection, education and economic recovery in response to climate change and climate-induced disasters. Our shelter and non-food item distribution programs have been paused due to the protests, leaving over 1,000 temporarily displaced individuals without full assistance as they recover from flooding and storm damage.

In 2023, the IRC reached more than 450,000 clients across Bangladesh, two-thirds of which were Rohingya refugees. Nearly 70% of people reached by the IRC in 2023 were women.

A mother kneels on the floor of her home in Bangladesh and holds her young child in her arms.
Taslima, a Rohingya refugee from Myanmar, holds her newborn child in her home in the Cox’s Bazaar refugee camp in Bangladesh. Taslima received maternal health services from the IRC and learned how to improve her child’s health.
Photo: Zanala Bangladesh Ltd. for the IRC

How can I support people in Bangladesh?

The IRC has been responding to humanitarian needs in Bangladesh since 2017. With more than 400 IRC staff operating in 31 Rohingya refugee camps and 27 host community locations, we deliver a range of critical support to people fighting to survive, recover and rebuild their lives across Bangladesh.