In an attempt to escape genocide and unspeakable crimes against humanity taking place in the Rakhine state of Myanmar, an estimated 947,000 Rohingyas have fled their homes and taken shelter in Refugee camps in Ukhia and Teknaf of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. With the population of Ukhia and Teknaf surpassing 1,418,760 collectively, the host community has now become the minority, comprising 33% of the total population. This Rohingya influx has led to, among a plethora of social and cultural impacts, a series of environmental pitfalls, especially in terms of the forest. According to recent reports, a minimum of 2,250 tons of firewood is burnt for cooking purposes alone, while a total of 5,800 acres of forestland are occupied for the refugee camps. The hills surrounding the areas have become sparse due to deforestation, administering a threat of deadly landslides during the rainy season.
The following photographs were taken at the refugee camps spanning across Ukhia and Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh:
Photographs by Din M Shibly
