By RK Desk. Cox’s Bazar | November 10, 2026
Rohingya students asked the Duchess of Edinburgh for more opportunities to continue their education during her visit to refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar on Tuesday. In a separate update, Bangladesh and the UN refugee agency released new population figures for the camps and Bhasan Char. Malaysia’s Registry of Societies said it had never approved the registration of a Rohingya organisation as an NGO.
Rohingya students ask for a path to higher education
At a UNICEF-supported learning centre in Camp 18 in Ukhiya, students told Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, what they hoped to do if they could continue their studies. One sixth-grade student told her he wanted to become an engineer and return to help his community, but saw no route to college or university. Another student said she wanted to become a doctor because women in her camp had few female medical professionals to turn to, particularly for maternity care, The Daily Star reported.
A UNICEF education officer told the Duchess that some children walked 20 to 30 minutes to reach learning centres, making regular attendance particularly difficult for girls. The Duchess also visited a UNHCR registration centre and spoke with Rohingya women about conditions in the camps.
British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke said the UK had provided more than £460 million in support for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh. She cited the amount already provided while reaffirming Britain’s support amid declining humanitarian funding.
New figures put Rohingya refugee population in Bangladesh at 1.208 million
Figures released on November 10 by the Government of Bangladesh and UNHCR put the Rohingya refugee population at 1,208,018 as of October 31. Of those counted, 1,174,975 were in Cox’s Bazar and 33,043 were on Bhasan Char.
The October total was 1,490 higher than the September 30 figure of 1,206,528. The difference reflects a change in the overall population count between the two reporting dates.
Malaysia’s registry says it has never registered a Rohingya NGO
Malaysia’s Registry of Societies said in a statement reported on November 10 that it had never approved the registration of a Rohingya organisation as an NGO in the country. The statement followed questions on social media about the registration status of the Rohingya Society Malaysia.
The registry said it reviews applications under Malaysia’s Societies Act 1966. It listed at least seven members, a constitution and valid office bearers among the basic requirements, and said applications that meet those requirements still need the registrar’s approval. The available reports on the statement did not establish whether the Rohingya Society Malaysia had applied for registration.
