Exploring Post-settlement Social Dynamics and Conflict Between the Host Community and Rohingyas

The forced displacement of Rohingyas continues to receive significant global attention due to its politico-religious and ethnic dimensions. Public and academic discussions and debates have primarily focused on citizenship crises, including genocide and security concerns. However, this chapter explores the social dynamics between the Bangladeshi host community and Rohingya  people in Bangladesh, moving beyond these established frameworks. Drawing from in-depth interviews, secondary literature, and observations, this chapter reveals that the social composition in the Ukhiya and Teknaf sub-districts of Cox’s Bazar has undergone significant changes, with the Rohingya people outnumbering that of the Bangladeshi host community. Initially, the Bangladeshi host community displayed sympathy, but social tensions have been increasing, especially as the socioeconomic impacts on the host community become evident. A significant portion of the host community perceives the Rohingyas as uneducated, rude, potential drug dealers, prone to criminal activities, and a security threat. The term “Rohingya” has become a social stigma and a derogatory term within Cox’s Bazar and beyond. These social tensions often escalate into conflicts, posing a potential risk for future ethnic conflicts. Subsequently, minimizing these tensions between the communities is a challenging task that requires immediate attention, both theoretically and empirically.