by Hafizur Rahman
Cox’s Bazar, November 10, 2025 —
The Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) in Cox’s Bazar has begun issuing legal SIM cards to Rohingya refugees, marking the start of a new government initiative to regulate communication inside the camps.
The program was launched under the leadership of RRRC Commissioner Mizanur Rahman, who handed over the first SIM cards to elected presidents and executive members of the United Council of Rohang (UCR). According to the RRRC office, 10,000 legal SIM cards will be distributed in the first phase, with plans to expand the coverage gradually.
Commissioner Rahman said that all unregistered and illegal SIM cards currently used by Rohingya refugees will be blocked. “Only legal SIM cards will be allowed. This is an important step to maintain law and order, prevent crimes, and stop other unlawful activities that were previously done using illegal SIM cards,” he told reporters.
Officials say the initiative aims to improve monitoring and ensure safer communication in the camps, where more than one million Rohingya refugees live after fleeing persecution in Myanmar.
Humanitarian workers note that the move could also help refugees communicate more easily with aid agencies, though some expressed concerns about privacy and digital access. The government has not yet clarified how registration data will be stored or monitored.
The distribution of legal SIM cards is expected to continue over the coming weeks across different camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf.
