Rohingya Women Accuse APBN of Sexual Harassment, Demand Army Deployment in Camps.

Sexual harassment has emerged as one of the biggest concerns for Rohingya women living in refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, as allegations mount against members of Bangladesh’s Armed Police Battalion (APBN).

Date:01-Sep-2025

The Refugee women says that they are regularly Subjected to harassment and abuse by APBN officers, and are now calling for the army to be deployed instead for their protection.

The findings were revealed during the launch of a research report and dialogue program organized by ActionAid Bangladesh in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Sunday. The study, titled “Arar Hefazat” (Our Protection), surveyed 66 Rohingya women and girls from three camps in Ukhia, along with 30 Bangladeshi women from host communities. Most respondents were between the ages of 16 and 30.

Allegations Against APBN

According to the study, many Rohingya women reported being deeply distressed by the behavior of APBN personnel. Women alleged that officers often entered homes under false pretenses, targeting young and “beautiful” women, who were then subjected to harassment or abuse.

“Initially, APBN did not behave this way. But gradually, they became involved in bribery, extortion, harassment and even sexual abuse,” said Tamazer Ahmed, Policy Research and Advocacy Manager of ActionAid Bangladesh, while presenting the report. “Women are now demanding the removal of APBN and deployment of the army, as they feel safer under military protection.”

He noted that during one short-term deployment of the Bangladesh Army in a camp, women felt secure and incidents of harassment reduced. “Women from other camps also supported this call,” he added.

In response, Mohammad Kausar Sikder, Captain of 16 APBN, denied the allegations, saying: “I have been here for the last nine months. So far, we have not received any official complaint on this matter.”

Child Marriage and Polygamy on the Rise

The report also revealed that issues such as child marriage and polygamy have become normalized in the camps. Only 7 percent of women said they independently sought legal help, highlighting their lack of access to justice.

Nearly half of the women surveyed (48 percent) said that counseling programs for men and boys are necessary to prevent gender-based violence. Drug trafficking and armed groups inside the camps were also cited as major threats to women’s safety.

Future of Repatriation

When asked about their future, between 50–82 percent of Rohingya women and girls expressed willingness to return to Myanmar if safety and citizenship were guaranteed. Far fewer said they wished to migrate to a third country.

Calls for Protection and Gender-Sensitive Measures:

Speakers at the event emphasized the urgent need to establish gender-sensitive protection mechanisms. Recommendations included:

• Deployment of female security personnel in camps.

• Creation of women-led protection committees.

• Separate and well-lit toilets and bathing areas.

• Establishment of independent legal aid desks.

• Expansion of education, livelihoods, and safe spaces for women and girls.

Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, moderated the discussion and stressed that the findings reflect the lived experiences of Rohingya women:

Bangladeshi local online media News: https://www.ukhiyanews.com/apbannewskp/

“This is not just a report. It is the voice of Rohingya women and girls who are calling for urgent, rights-based, and long-term initiatives to ensure their safety. Policymakers and the international community must take this message seriously.”

Integrated Response Needed

Participants-including government agencies, UN representatives, embassies, donor organizations, researchers, and media-agreed that the Rohingya crisis must be approached holistically, considering social, economic, humanitarian, and gender perspectives.

They stressed that addressing gender-based violence in the camps requires both immediate protection measures and broader reforms, including tackling patriarchy, reducing insecurity, and ensuring basic needs are met.