As Rohingya refugees flee to Bangladesh, urgent action is needed to provide basic needs

I reached out to a boatman I knew, hoping he could help us escape. He agreed but demanded a steep price—around $250 per person. We had no other choice. We waded through waist-deep water to reach the boat and set off in the middle of the night. By dawn, we arrived on the shore in Bangladesh. I was exhausted and in pain from my injury.

Just when we thought we were safe, the boatman detained my eldest son, insisting on full payment. Helpless, we spent the entire day in Teknaf, reaching out to family members and friends to gather the money. My injury was worsening, but I couldn’t think about that while my son was still being held. Finally, we were able to pay, and he was released to us.

We then made our way to the refugee camp [Teknaf], where my sister-in-law and I tried to find medical help for my wound. The first facility we visited was too costly, so we continued looking, moving from place to place. Eventually, I was referred to a larger facility, where I underwent surgery.

After 45 days, I was discharged, but I was told I’d need follow-up care. By then, we were trying to secure tokens as new arrivals and missing this would mean even more suffering.

My wound has only worsened, and I know I need to go back for more treatment, but I can’t bring myself to leave my family in this vulnerable state. I’m exhausted, uncertain, and struggling to keep us together in these conditions.

We are nine people packed into a small shelter meant for just four, sharing the space with my wife’s grandmother’s family. Food is scarce, and we survive on the few rations given by the Majhee [community leader] but it’s never enough. Some days, we only have one meal, and I have to look into my children’s hungry eyes, unable to offer them anything more. Water is limited, too. We each make do with a single jar a day.

Our future here feels bleak. We have no home, no income, and no certainty about what lies ahead. My children’s lives feel overshadowed by hardship, and now I’ve heard that the token distribution has been postponed again. Without proper documentation, we are denied access to essential services, including health care. My ongoing medical needs are unmet, and I fear for my health and the wellbeing of my family.

Each delay only adds to our fear, knowing we may soon have no support at all. We’ve borrowed from every relative willing to help, but even their patience is wearing thin. Soon, we may truly have nowhere to turn.”

* Name changed to protect privacy

People often recount their arduous journey from Myanmar to Bangladesh, a path fraught with danger and despair. Many faced obstacles at the border, including violence and pushbacks that prevented them from crossing. Their experiences are characterized by prolonged exposure to trauma, violence, loss and the deaths of loved ones. Unfortunately, these experiences are rarely reported, leaving the emotional scars of this suffering largely unacknowledged.

Despite finally reaching the safety of Bangladesh, these refugees often find their basic needs unmet. They voice concerns about registration issues, inadequate shelter, and the strain of living in overcrowded conditions with minimal resources. As they struggle to rebuild their lives, their mental health continues to deteriorate. It is challenging to maintain one’s [own mental health] in a situation where life has become so complex and uncertain. The conditions in the camps further exacerbate their mental health struggles. Patients describe the atmosphere as increasingly precarious, with daily reports of shootings and conflicts between different groups. The fear of violence is ever-present, creating a pervasive sense of anxiety and helplessness. For new arrivals, these feelings manifest as severe trauma, depressive symptoms and heightened anxiety—conditions that are now commonplace among those seeking our help.

Women and children face unique challenges in this environment. Many report feelings of hopelessness, low mood, and anxiety stemming from the ongoing trauma they have endured. The last seven years have seen little improvement in the situation in Myanmar, with extreme movement restrictions and a lack of resources. Men, feeling powerless, may project their frustrations onto vulnerable family members, further compounding the trauma experienced within households.

The horrors of forced recruitment in the camps add another layer of complexity to the distress these families face. Imagine being a parent with a 17-year-old son and facing pressure to send him away to engage in violence, knowing the chances of survival are slim. This is a reality for many families, both in Myanmar and now in Bangladesh. Each new trauma they encounter—loss of belongings, family members, and their sense of safety— only deepens their psychological wounds. The ongoing violence in the camps serves as a constant reminder of their past traumas, leading to re-traumatization and a cyclical pattern of suffering. 

In response to these pressing needs, MSF provides vital support for vulnerable groups. When patients visit our facilities, our counselors prioritize their safety, dignity and confidentiality. We create a supportive environment where they can share their experiences and express their suffering. For women, this often involves specific psychiatric consultations tailored to their unique circumstances.

Our approach includes a thorough assessment to evaluate their mental state, followed by counselling to normalize their experiences and provide mental health education. We focus on enhancing positive coping strategies and strengthening social support networks through communication with family, community members, and other organizations. For those in need of psychiatric care, our mental health doctors evaluate their conditions and prescribe psychotropic medications as necessary.

We understand that every individual’s needs are unique, and we invite patients to return for weekly follow-ups. Our social workers play a crucial role in ensuring they are supported and doing well in their homes.