In 2017 approximately 740,000 people fled violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and sought refuge in Cox’s Bazar district in Bangladhesh. Since the mass influx, the displaced population has continued to grow, driven by approximately 35,000 births annually and new arrivals since 2024 following renewed violence in Rakhine. As of September 2026, the displaced population stands at 1,206,5281 people, living in 33 overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar and on Bhasan Char Island, where 33,237 relocated individuals reside. Amid ongoing uncertainty regarding voluntary repatriation, displaced communities face fragile shelter conditions, limited access to essential services, heightened exposure to natural hazards, and additional pressure from 155,560 newly arrived displaced people in already congested camps. The situation remains one of the world’s most protracted and complex humanitarian crises.
The overall humanitarian situation remains severely resource-constrained, amid continued new arrivals, inadequate shelter conditions, multi-hazard exposure, and uncertainty surrounding voluntary repatriation due to insecurity in Rakhine State. According to the Joint Response Plan (JRP) funding update, 71% (USD 506.4 million) of the USD 710.5 million funding requirement had been secured, leaving a funding gap of 29%, following adjustments to food security requirements. Significant shortfalls persist in Shelter/CCCM, WASH, and Protection sectors. The JRP 2027-2028 planning process is currently underway, with a focus on prioritizing lifesaving assistance while strengthening longer-term resilience. As of September 2026, the IFRC and Partner National
Societies (PNSs) face a funding gap of CHF 37 million against a total requirement of CHF 87 million for the period 2025-2027.
The security situation in Cox’s Bazar remained volatile, particularly in Ukhiya and Teknaf, characterized by narcotics trafficking, organized crime, armed violence, and kidnappings. During September, 76 crime-related incidents and 18 safety incidents were reported in host communities, alongside 20 camp-related incidents during the first half of the month. A further 52 security incidents were recorded during the second half, predominantly linked to narcotics-related activities. Cross-border insecurity also persisted amid armed clashes in Myanmar, smuggling activities, irregular cross-border movements, and landmine threats along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.