The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic on March
11, 2020 (1), resulting in nationwide quarantines and national emergencies. Bangladesh was no exception,
and in late March 2020, the government implemented a phased nationwide lockdown, officially
acknowledging the presence of Covid-19 in the Rohingya camps of Cox's Bazar on May 14, 2020 (2).
Bangladesh hosts the largest forcibly displaced population in the world in Cox’s Bazar district with
855,000 Rohingyas from Myanmar (2). A majority reside in Ukhiya and Teknaf sub-districts in 34 camps,
along an estimated 548,000 Bangladeshis who are one of the poorest population groups in the country
with 33% living below the poverty line (2). The Covid-19 pandemic poses a range of governance,
demographic, environmental, and policy-related challenges an already fragile context.
To prevent Covid-19 in Bangladesh and mitigate its impacts, long-term transformative and inclusive
interventions that are also sustainable are required, particularly in the context of humanitarian crises. To
support this notion and to explore Covid-19 awareness, preparedness, and impact on the most vulnerable
groups (MVGs) among the Rohingya Community in Cox's Bazar, BRAC James P Grant School of Public
Health (BRAC JPGSPH), BRAC University is leading this participatory action research project funded by
the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada (3) and is working with the
implementation partner - Centre for Peace and Justice, BRAC University. The aim of this project is to
provide critical evidence to support policies and interventions to mitigate the adverse impacts of
Covid-19 on the MVGs in the Rohingya community.
IDRC | CRDI