Shyamal Barua, team leader in Cox's Bazar, in his office. Photo: RDRS Bangladesh
Reflections from the team leader of an emergency program supporting Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh
(LWI) - On World Humanitarian Day this week, the United Nations called on humanitarian workers around the globe to mark the event, which focused this year on the alarming increase of attacks against civilians caught up in wars and conflict.
Among those responding to that 19 August call were staff at RDRS Bangladesh, formerly a country program of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) that was set up in 1972 to provide relief, rehabilitation and development assistance to people in the northwest of the country. RDRS Bangladesh has been an independent national NGO for over 50 years but has kept a strong bond with the LWF.
Since the start of the Rohingya refugee crisis in 2017, LWF-RDRS has been working in Cox’s Bazar to provide both emergency aid, as well as longer term support and development assistance for refugees and host communities. Shyamal Barua is team leader for the Emergency Program (LREP) in Cox’s Bazar. Reflecting on the unique challenges of this work in the refugee camp, he shares his experiences and explains what keeps him motivated in this difficult yet rewarding field.
How did you come to be involved in humanitarian work, and what led you to your current role?
My journey into humanitarian work began with a deep desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of people facing extreme hardships. When the Rohingya crisis escalated, I felt a strong pull to contribute to the efforts in Cox’s Bazar, where the need was, and still is an enormous crisis in the region.
Leading the LREP has given me the opportunity to not only address the immediate needs of the Rohingya refugees and host communities, but also to work towards their long-term resilience through livelihood support, skills development, and protection initiatives. We do this jointly with the government of Bangladesh, UN agencies and NGOs.
Can you describe the scope of your work with LREP?
The LREP operates a comprehensive program, addressing critical areas such as livelihood and skills development, protection, nutrition support and non-food items, forest and environmental conservation, as well as initiatives to reduce the impact of climate change.
My role involves leading and managing these projects through close collaboration with government officials, UN agencies, dealing with donors, ensuring accurate and timely reporting, and focusing on the capacity development of the team. The ultimate goal is to enhance the resilience of both the Rohingya and host communities in this protracted humanitarian crisis.
What has been the most rewarding part of your work?
There is a profound sense of fulfillment in seeing the direct impact of LWF-RDRS joint work on the vulnerable communities we serve. One of the most rewarding aspects is witnessing the transformation in individuals’ lives, whether it is a young Rohingya woman gaining new skills and becoming financially independent, or a family having access to essential services and improved sanitation. These successes, though small in the grand scheme of things, bring a lot of hope and encouragement. They remind us why we work and keep us going despite the many challenges.
What are some of the challenges you face in your role?
Working in Cox’s Bazar comes with its fair share of challenges. The presence of armed groups in the refugee camps has recently becoming a huge threat and a significant concern to women and young men, particularly with the forceful recruitment of youths into armed groups. This has created a dangerous environment, not only for the Rohingya refugees and hosts, but also for the humanitarian workers in Cox’s Bazar.
The recent political unrest in Bangladesh has further complicated the situation, making security a major issue inside camps and host communities. We have also seen the tragic loss of life at sea, with over 500 Rohingya people dying in 2023 alone while attempting to flee to Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Middle East Countries in search of protection and a better life. These challenges underscore the complexity of the crisis and the need for continued, coordinated efforts by all stakeholders in the country and the region.
Despite the overwhelming hardships the Rohingya face, the resilience and determination of the refugees and host communities is truly inspiring.
Shyamal BARUA, team leader Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
How do you stay motivated in such a challenging environment?
The motivation comes from the people we serve. Despite the overwhelming hardships the Rohingya face, the resilience and determination of the refugees and host communities is truly inspiring. Every success story, no matter how small, is a testament to the impact of our work and fuels my commitment to continue my work. Additionally, the support from our team, donor partners and the broader humanitarian community plays a crucial role in keeping us all motivated and focused on our mission.
What does World Humanitarian Day mean to you?
World Humanitarian Day is a time to recognize the efforts of all those working tirelessly to alleviate suffering and bring hope to those in need. It is about acknowledging the silent heroes, people in the community who step up in extraordinary circumstances to help others. In the context of Cox’s Bazar, it is vital to remember that our work goes beyond just providing aid; it is about building community resilience and creating lasting change for one of the world’s most vulnerable populations, the Rohingya people.
If you could wish for one thing on World Humanitarian Day, what would it be?
I wish for a world where the need for humanitarian aid diminishes, where peace and stability replace conflict and displacement, particularly for the protracted and forgotten situations of displaced and stateless people like the Rohingya. In the meantime, I hope for greater global solidarity and support for frontline workers in crises like the one in Cox’s Bazar. We need more resources, more understanding and a collective, long-term commitment to ensuring that the rights and dignity of every human being are upheld.
