Resource Hub: Bhasan Char

Reports

1. "Bangladesh: Prevent Coercive and Involuntary Transfers of Rohingya Refugees"
   • Published by Fortify Rights (January 2022)
   • Highlights concerns about coercive and involuntary transfers of Rohingya refugees to Bhasan Char
2. "Bangladesh and UNHCR: Revise and Release Bhasan Char MoU, Ensure Freedom of Movement for Rohingya Refugees"
   • Published by Fortify Rights (October 2021)
   • Calls for revision and public release of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bangladesh and UNHCR regarding Rohingya refugees on Bhasan Char island
   • Criticizes MoU for failing to ensure freedom of movement for Rohingya refugees on and off the island
   • Argues that Bhasan Char functions as an island detention center, violating international law on refugee rights
3. "An Island Jail in the Middle of the Sea": Bangladesh's Relocation of Rohingya Refugees to Bhasan Char
   • Published by Human Rights Watch (June 2021)
   • Comprehensive report based on 167 interviews with refugees and humanitarian experts
4. "Bangladesh Is Not My Country: The Plight of Rohingya Refugees from Myanmar"
   • Published by Human Rights Watch (August 2018)
   • Critically examines the plan to relocate 100,000 refugees to Bhasan Char, citing environmental risks, isolation, and lack of consent from refugees.
5. "Bangladesh is building a camp to house 100,000 Rohingya refugees on a flood-prone island"
   • Published by Quartz (Feb 2018). Author: David Yanofsky.
   • Discusses Bangladesh’s plans to construct a refugee camp on Bhasan Char
   • Provides insights into the government’s perspective and international concerns

Articles

1. "Revisiting Ashrayan: A false promise to Bangladesh's homeless?"
   • Published by The Business Standard (November 2024). Author: Ariful Hasan Shuvo
   • Investigates the implementation and effectiveness of the Ashrayan project
   •  Discusses the expansion of the project to Bhasan Char for Rohingya refugees
   • Provides critical perspectives on the project's overall impact and execution
2. "Bangladesh's Information War on Bhasan Char: A Closer Look"
   • Published by DVB English (October 2023). Author: Shafiur Rahman
   • Examines the government's media strategy regarding Bhasan Char
3. "Are Arsa leaders among those relocated to Bhasan Char?"
   • Published by Dhaka Tribune (March 2023). Author: Shafiur Rahman
   • Investigates reports of former high-ranking Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (Arsa) members being relocated to Bhasan Char
   • Highlights concerns from other refugees about living in proximity to alleged criminals
   • Discusses the implications for justice in the case of murdered Rohingya leader Mohibullah
4. "Exclusive: Inside the Bangladesh ‘prison island’ housing Rohingya refugees"
   • Published by South East Asia Globe (December 2022). Author: Tanbirul Miraj Ripon.
   • Provides an in-depth look at the living conditions of Rohingya refugees on Bhasan Char
   • Highlights issues such as limited freedom of movement, lack of healthcare, and restricted access to mainland Bangladesh
   • Features interviews with refugees describing their experiences and concerns
5. "Bhasan Char: Prison Island or Paradise? Are Rohingya Refugees' Rights Being Upheld?"
   • Published by Lacuna Magazine (May 2022). Authors: Sanjeeb Hossain & Maja Janmyr.
   • Explores the controversy surrounding freedom of movement for refugees on Bhasan Char
6. "Medical crisis” for Rohingya refugees"
   • Published in The Lancet (April 2022). Author: Sharmila Devi
   • Highlights ongoing medical concerns for Rohingya refugees on Bhasan Char island
   • Discusses limited access to healthcare services and reports of preventable deaths
   • Examines the challenges faced by aid agencies and human rights groups in providing assistance
   • Explores the international community’s response, including funding issues and policy shifts
7. "Implications of the Rohingya Relocation from Cox's Bazar to Bhasan Char"
   • Published in the SAGE Journals (December 2021) Authors: Md. Didarul Islam and Ayesha Siddika.
   • Academic article analysing the relocation process and its consequences
8. "What does the UN MoU with Bangladesh govt mean for Rohingya refugees?"
   • Published by Devex (October 2021) Author: Nazmul Ahasan
   • Analyzes the memorandum of understanding between UNHCR and Bangladesh government regarding Bhasan Char
   • Discusses concerns about refugee freedom of movement and potential overcrowding. Examines the UN’s evolving stance on the Bhasan Char project
9. "Moving the Rohingya to Bhasan Char was inevitable."
   • Published by South East Asia Globe (December 2020). Author: Shafiur Rahman
   • Critically examines Bangladesh’s plan to relocate Rohingya refugees to Bhasan Char.
   • Discusses potential motivations behind the relocation, including economic interests

Documentaries and Videos

1. "Bhasan Char - Bangladesh"
   • MDM Architects produced this promotional film on Bhasan Char.
2. "Bangladesh plans to relocate Rohingyas to 'refugee island' | DW News"
   • DW broadcast video featuring interview with A Mukta, the lead architect from MDM Architect.
3. "Bhasan Char, Why?"
   • Short documentary filmed secretly by Rohingya refugees over a period of two years (trailer). A film by Shafiur Rahman
4. Jamuna TV Package on Bhasan Char
   • Television report showcasing the island's facilities and infrastructure
   • Available on YouTube with over half a million views

Humanitarian Organisation Resources

1. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Article
   • "Rohingya Crisis: Refugees Face Uncertain Future on Bhasan Char Island"
   • Published March 2021. Author: Bernard Wiseman
   • Provides insights from a major humanitarian organization working with Rohingya refugees
2. UNHCR Reports and Updates
   • Joint Response Plan (JRP) 2023 Year-End Report
   • Published by the Rohingya Response coordination body
   • Provides an overview of the humanitarian response on Bhasan Char, including services provided and challenges faced
   • Bhasan Char Response Humanitarian Action
   • Joint Government of Bangladesh - UNHCR Population Factsheet Bhasan Char as of December 2024

Additional Resources

1. Interactive Map of Bhasan Char
   • Showcasing the island's layout, facilities, and geographical context
2. "There is no noise': inside the controversial Bhasan Char refugee camp – a photo essay"
   • Published by The Guardian (January 2021). Author: Shafiur Rahman
   • A visual exploration of the Bhasan Char refugee camp through a series of photographs and the thoughts of one relocated Rohingya refugee.
3. Photo Gallery
   • Collection of images depicting life on Bhasan Char and the relocation process

This Resource Hub on Bhasan Char is curated by Shafiur Rahman, a journalist and documentary filmmaker focusing on Rohingya issues.