By Hafizur Rahman
Cox’s Bazar — 13 August 2025
The Bangladesh government is considering granting legal access to SIM cards for Rohingya refugees, aiming to improve communication, enhance security, and curb illegal SIM usage within the camps. Reports indicate that some camp-based armed groups have misused illegally obtained SIMs for criminal activities.
Currently, over 1.2 million Rohingyas live in Bangladesh after fleeing persecution in Myanmar. Many rely on Bangladeshi or Myanmar SIMs illegally, as there is no authorized way to obtain one. Earlier attempts by the previous government in 2023 to issue SIMs through state-owned Teletalk were stalled.
The current proposal includes a separate SIM series for Rohingyas linked to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) “Progress ID” system. Eligible individuals aged 18 and above would receive SIMs directly from UNHCR. The UNHCR registration database will be stored at the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) data centre. A pilot project aims to distribute 10,000 SIMs by 25 August under the Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner. Once new SIMs are issued, illegally obtained SIMs will be deactivated.
BTRC Chairman Maj. Gen. (retd) Emdadul Bari confirmed that the initiative is under review. “Identifying camp residents is the most crucial step. Without accurate verification, we cannot proceed with distribution. The matter remains under active government discussion,” he said.
Rohingya residents welcomed the proposal. Mohammed Karim, a camp resident, said, “This will help us connect with our relatives in Myanmar and other countries without fear.” Young mother Ayesha Begum added, “Having a legal SIM means we can receive emergency health and education information faster.” Community volunteer Noor Hossain remarked, “For years, we have depended on risky, illegal SIMs. A legal one will give us peace of mind and dignity.”
If implemented, the initiative could mark a significant step toward improving communication rights and monitoring within the world’s largest refugee settlement.
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