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Sustainable Livelihood for Displaced Rohingyas and Their Resilience at Bhashan Char in Bangladesh

Author

Listed:
  • Md. Monirul Islam

    (Department of Fisheries, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh)

  • Aparna Barman

    (Department of Fisheries, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
    Sustainability Services Limited, Mirpur, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh)

  • Makidul Islam Khan

    (Department of Fisheries, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh)

  • Gour Gobinda Goswami

    (Department of Economics, North South University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh)

  • Bulbul Siddiqi

    (Department of Political Science and Sociology, North South University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh)

  • Sharif A. Mukul

    (School of Science, Technology and Engineering (SSTE), University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia
    Department of Earth and Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA)

Abstract

The livelihood sustainability of the Rohingya refugees relocated in Bhashan Char, Bangladesh, has been questioned by various international stakeholders due to the remoteness and perceived vulnerabilities of the island. The Bangladesh government, a few international organizations, and some non-government organizations are working on developing livelihood opportunities in there. But there is scarce study about the livelihood opportunities and challenges of the Rohingyas living there. This study explores the vulnerabilities and livelihood opportunities of Rohingyas in Bhashan Char so as to help increase their resilience. The vulnerabilities include natural, geographical, and climatic shocks and stresses (e.g., cyclone, floods, storm surge, sea-level rise, geographical position). However, there are ample opportunities for their livelihood development, despite some challenges which can be overcome with concerted efforts. The opportunities include intensification and extensification of livelihood activities, such as modern agriculture, fish farming, livestock rearing, small business, handicraft, fishing net mending, crab fattening, biofloc aquaculture, and fish cage culture, but turning these opportunities into reality requires sufficient investment and internationally positive attitude. Better shelter, better disaster preparedness, cultural practices, education, and skill development can increase their capacity to bounce back, absorb shocks, and make them more resilient. National and international humanitarian organizations should plan to enhance the resilience of the Rohingya communities living in Bhashan Char and the island itself so that they can sustain in the long run, even after their anticipated repatriation to Myanmar.

Suggested Citation

  • Md. Monirul Islam & Aparna Barman & Makidul Islam Khan & Gour Gobinda Goswami & Bulbul Siddiqi & Sharif A. Mukul, 2022. "Sustainable Livelihood for Displaced Rohingyas and Their Resilience at Bhashan Char in Bangladesh," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-14, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:10:p:6374-:d:822252
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Beatriz Felipe Pérez & Alexandra Tomaselli, 2021. "Indigenous Peoples and climate-induced relocation in Latin America and the Caribbean: managed retreat as a tool or a threat?," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 11(3), pages 352-364, September.
    2. Md. Yousuf Gazi & A. S. M. Maksud Kamal & Md. Nazim Uddin & Md. Anwar Hossain Bhuiyan & Md. Zillur Rahman, 2022. "The Stability and Suitability of the Bhasan Char Island as an Accommodation for the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-27, January.
    3. Md. Islam & Susannah Sallu & Klaus Hubacek & Jouni Paavola, 2014. "Migrating to tackle climate variability and change? Insights from coastal fishing communities in Bangladesh," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 124(4), pages 733-746, June.
    4. Monirul Islam, Md. & Sallu, Susannah & Hubacek, Klaus & Paavola, Jouni, 2014. "Limits and barriers to adaptation to climate variability and change in Bangladeshi coastal fishing communities," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 208-216.
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