The future of education for Rohingya refugee children in Bangladesh hangs in the balance as significant international aid reductions have led to the dismissal of over 1,000 teachers in camps across the country. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced that contracts for 1,179 educators working in kindergarten and primary schools within the camps have been terminated due to a global funding crisis.
These dismissals come in the wake of substantial U.S. funding cuts, following President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze most foreign aid upon his return to office in January. The United States has historically been a primary donor to various humanitarian agencies, and its sudden withdrawal has left organizations scrambling to fill budget gaps.
Prior to these cuts, approximately 4,000 teachers were employed in the camps, according to Md Shamsud Douza, a senior Bangladeshi government aid official. With schools currently closed for the Eid holiday, there is uncertainty about whether additional teachers will be let go if new funding is not secured before the term resumes at the end of June.
UNICEF expressed deep concern over the situation, stating, “We are deeply aware of the urgent needs faced by Rohingya refugee children, many of whom have already endured significant trauma and disruptions to their education, health, nutrition, and protection.” The agency emphasized its commitment to ensuring that these children acquire essential skills and qualifications to contribute to their communities when it is safe for them to return.
The Rohingya, a persecuted Muslim minority from Myanmar, have faced severe hardships since fleeing a military crackdown in 2017. Approximately one million Rohingya refugees reside in squalid camps in Bangladesh, relying heavily on international aid for survival. The recent aid cuts have exacerbated existing challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
The United Nations has warned that the global aid funding crisis could have dire consequences for children in the camps.UNICEF reported a 27% increase in admissions for severe malnutrition treatment in February compared to the same month in 2024. More than 500,000 children live in the camps, with over 15% now malnourished—a figure that surpasses emergency thresholds.
In March, UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited the camps and described the aid cuts by the United States and other countries in Europe as “a crime.” He pledged that the UN would do everything possible to arrange adequate funding for the Rohingya refugees.
The education crisis is further compounded by the Bangladeshi government’s policies, which have historically restricted access to formal education for Rohingya children. Authorities have barred these children from enrolling in public and private schools and have limited the education programs that humanitarian groups can provide inside the camps.Community-led schools, which have offered non-formal lessons, have also faced closures, with approximately 30 such schools shut down since December 2021.
As the international community grapples with funding challenges, the plight of Rohingya refugee children in Bangladesh underscores the urgent need for sustained support to ensure their right to education and a better future.
