Introduction to Forced Displacement
The Eid, a day usually marked by joy and laughter for most people in Bangladesh, turned into a day of sadness and mourning for Muhammad Gura Miya, after his only son left home on Eid in 2025 and never returned. Gura Miya, a 65-year-old resident of the Maheshkhali sub-district, in the southeastern coastal district of Cox’s Bazar, now spends his days in distress over the loss of his son.
“He was my only hope and support. I don’t know where he is, or if he is alive or dead,” said Miya. Miya is not alone. Mongabay spoke with dozens of families whose sons or heads of households are missing or dead after attempting to migrate to Malaysia for work.
The Andaman Sea Incident
On April 14, 2026, a small boat carrying around 250 people, including Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingya refugees, capsized in the Andaman Sea while heading to Malaysia. Only nine people were rescued; the rest remain missing.
Young and unskilled people in this coastal area are risking illegal migration across the Bay of Bengal in small boats, as fossil fuel projects, ports, and petrochemical complexes threaten their ancestral livelihoods.
The Science Behind Displacement
A study on irregular migration from Bangladesh to Malaysia across the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea found that Cox’s Bazar has become a new hub for human trafficking to Malaysia. The construction of the Matarbari port is an example of how these mega-infrastructure projects affect local communities.
These projects not only displace people from their lands but also affect the environment and biodiversity of the region. The destruction of natural habitats and pollution of air and water are just some of the negative impacts of these projects.
Broader Context
This is not the first time that fossil fuel projects have had a negative impact on local communities in Bangladesh. The country’s history is filled with examples of how the exploitation of natural resources has led to forced displacement of communities and environmental degradation.
However, it is essential to note that the situation in Cox’s Bazar is particularly concerning, due to a combination of factors such as poverty, lack of job opportunities, and vulnerability to climate change.
What Happens Next
It is crucial that the government of Bangladesh and international organizations take steps to address the issue of forced displacement of local communities due to fossil fuel projects. This includes implementing policies to protect the rights of affected communities and ensuring that they are consulted and compensated fairly.
Additionally, it is essential to invest in renewable and sustainable energy alternatives to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate the negative impacts of these projects.
Conclusion: A Sustainable Future
In summary, the situation in Cox’s Bazar is a tragic example of the impact that fossil fuel projects can have on local communities. It is crucial that we take steps to address this issue and ensure that communities are protected and compensated fairly.
Additionally, it is essential to invest in a sustainable future, based on renewable energy and respect for human and environmental rights.
Source / Reference
This article was originally published on Mongabay.