Bangladesh at the Heart of Migration and Displacement Challenges in South Asia

 

The migration and displacement crisis in South and Southeast Asia is escalating due to a combination of economic instability, environmental pressures, and regional conflicts. Bangladesh, at the heart of these challenges, plays a crucial role as a labor-sending country, a host for refugees, and a hub for climate-induced displacement. The country’s vulnerabilities are compounded by its geographical location, which makes it susceptible to natural disasters, rising sea levels, and political instability. From the ongoing Rohingya crisis to the increasing internal displacement caused by floods and cyclones, Bangladesh exemplifies the broader migration issues facing the region.

The drivers of migration, such as labor migration, forced displacement due to climate change, and regional conflicts, require urgent, sustainable solutions. As one of the nations most affected by these issues, Bangladesh needs a comprehensive approach, blending innovative strategies, stronger policies, and enhanced international cooperation. Addressing the complex migration landscape involves improving protection for vulnerable populations, integrating climate resilience into migration policies, and ensuring the sustainable development of displaced communities. Only through these collaborative efforts can Bangladesh and its neighbors hope to mitigate the impacts of forced migration and enhance the resilience of affected populations.

Economic Drivers of Migration in Bangladesh: Bangladesh has long been a major contributor to global labor migration, with millions of workers, especially from rural areas, sending remittances from the Middle East and Southeast Asia. These remittances are a vital source of foreign income, helping to alleviate poverty and support Bangladesh's economy. Despite the economic benefits, migrant workers often face significant challenges, including unsafe working conditions, exploitation, and legal vulnerabilities. Many also endure physical abuse or endure conditions resembling forced labor in some regions.

Internal migration in Bangladesh is widespread, as people from rural areas move to urban centers or seek opportunities abroad, driven by economic hardship. Factors such as limited agricultural income, loss of land due to river erosion, and climate shocks, like floods and droughts, push people to migrate in search of better livelihoods. Irregular migration, often facilitated by traffickers, exacerbates these challenges. Migrants seeking work in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and the Middle East are vulnerable to exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking. The lack of effective legal protections for these workers often compounds their suffering, highlighting the need for stronger policies to safeguard their rights and ensure fair treatment in foreign countries.

Climate Change: A Catalyst for Displacement: Climate change has significantly intensified displacement in Bangladesh, which is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, and rising sea levels. The Sundarbans and other low-lying coastal regions frequently experience displacement caused by these environmental threats. Additionally, riverbank erosion and salinity intrusion displace thousands annually, forcing families into already overcrowded urban slums, where living conditions are dire. The growing intersection of these environmental vulnerabilities with the Rohingya refugee crisis has further compounded Bangladesh’s displacement challenges. In Cox’s Bazar, over one million Rohingya refugees reside in overcrowded camps, a situation exacerbated by frequent environmental degradation, recurring landslides, and flooding. As conditions worsen, many refugees attempt perilous sea journeys, seeking better opportunities elsewhere. This highlights the pressing need for climate-resilient interventions, including improved disaster preparedness, infrastructure, and migration management strategies, to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect vulnerable populations. Urgent policy responses and international cooperation are essential to addressing the dual crises of climate-induced displacement and the refugee situation, ensuring both immediate relief and long-term resilience for affected communities.

Bangladesh’s Policy Responses: The government of Bangladesh has implemented several measures to manage migration and displacement, but these initiatives have had mixed results. A notable effort is the relocation of Rohingya refugees to the flood-resistant island of Bhasan Char. While this move aims to ease overcrowding in Cox’s Bazar, it has faced criticism for the insufficient facilities and lack of emergency preparedness, highlighting the need for more comprehensive and inclusive policies that address both immediate relief and long-term resilience. Bangladesh is also exploring various climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the growing threat of internal displacement caused by environmental factors. These include enhancing early warning systems, constructing disaster-resilient shelters, and developing policies to better integrate climate-induced migrants into urban areas. Efforts to improve local infrastructure are also underway to support internal migration, though challenges remain in providing sustainable livelihoods for those displaced by environmental changes. Despite these strides, there is a pressing need for continued investment in infrastructure and policies to ensure that displaced communities can rebuild their lives with resilience and security. Addressing climate-induced migration will require a holistic approach that incorporates social, economic, and environmental factors into planning and policy-making.

The Rohingya Crisis and Regional Dimensions: As the largest host of Rohingya refugees, Bangladesh bears an enormous burden in the region. Despite international assistance, the sheer scale of the crisis continues to strain resources. The international community has urged Myanmar to create conditions for the safe and voluntary repatriation of the refugees, but progress remains slow. In this context, Bangladesh's role in regional platforms such as the Bali Process has been critical. However, Bangladesh’s non-membership in some key regional migration platforms has limited its ability to directly influence migration policy across the region. At the regional level, the Bali Process and other forums have attempted to address forced migration, human trafficking, and refugee protection. However, disparities in member states’ capacities and political priorities often undermine the effectiveness of these initiatives. Bangladesh has consistently called for stronger international collaboration to address both the Rohingya crisis and the broader migration issues in the region.

Leveraging International Support: Global support remains vital in addressing Bangladesh’s migration and displacement challenges. UNHCR and other international bodies continue to provide critical support to the Rohingya refugee camps, but funding gaps persist, and more robust solutions are needed. Research collaborations with Bangladeshi institutions such as BRAC have focused on developing climate-adaptive solutions for camp dwellers. These initiatives include building elevated shelters, improving drainage systems, and providing sustainable energy solutions, all of which are essential for improving the resilience of displaced communities. Moreover, Bangladesh is exploring the integration of digital technologies, such as blockchain-based remittance systems, to enhance financial support for migrant workers’ families. These innovations can help families cope with economic or climate-related crises, making remittance transfers more efficient and secure.

Strengthening Bangladesh’s Migration Policies: To address the complex challenges of migration and displacement, Bangladesh requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted migration policy. Strengthening labor agreements with host countries is essential to safeguard the rights of migrant workers and ensure fair treatment. Efforts to combat human trafficking are critical to protect vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, from exploitation. Furthermore, integrating climate resilience into national development plans is essential for addressing the impacts of climate-induced displacement, especially in coastal and low-lying areas. Domestically, enhancing urban infrastructure and expanding social services will better support internal migrants, many of whom seek stability in urban centers after being displaced by environmental factors. International collaboration remains key, particularly in resolving the Rohingya crisis and tackling the root causes of forced migration. Joint efforts with international organizations can facilitate the development of solutions that address the underlying drivers of migration, including political instability, poverty, and climate change.

Building a Sustainable Migration Framework: Bangladesh stands at the crossroads of South Asia’s migration and displacement challenges. As a major labor-sending nation, a host to one of the largest refugee populations in the world, and a region deeply impacted by climate change, Bangladesh has a unique opportunity to shape regional migration management. Tackling these issues requires integrated policies that address labor exploitation, strengthen refugee welfare, and incorporate climate adaptation into national planning. Enhanced collaboration with international partners and investments in sustainable infrastructure will also be critical in building resilience against future displacement. By prioritizing human rights and climate-smart strategies, Bangladesh has the potential to lead the way in creating comprehensive, inclusive solutions to migration challenges. These efforts will not only ease the struggles of vulnerable populations but also contribute to regional stability, ensuring a secure and sustainable future for both current and displaced communities.


Dr. Shahrina Akhtar is Technical Specialist & Research Adviser at
Krishi Gobeshona Foundation.