During our recent visit to Cox’s Bazar, we spent time with Rohingya refugees and host communities, children and adolescents, women and men, community leaders, local authorities, government representatives, partners, and donors. What we heard and saw was not just a story of need, but a story of resilience, responsibility, and a quiet determination to build a better future against difficult odds.

In one learning centre, an eight-year-old child told us, “I love coming here. I can play, laugh, and learn history and science.” That simple sentence captured something powerful: these spaces are more than classrooms. They are safe havens. For hundreds of thousands of children, they offer structure, hope, and a sense of normalcy.

Yet, these very opportunities feel increasingly uncertain. With global funding under pressure, education for nearly half a million children is at risk. Parents spoke with deep concern, especially for their daughters, about what happens if these opportunities shrink. We are all aware that education is not just learning; it is protection, dignity, and the foundation for future stability.

In conversations with families, we also heard about progress. Many communities had worked hard to reduce child labour and ensure children attend learning centres. But recent funding constraints, combined with wider global economic pressures, are beginning to reverse some of these gains. Families are making difficult choices again, and the fear of losing hard-won progress is real.

Women also spoke candidly about another growing fear: food. As assistance shrinks, families are being forced to survive on less, and for family members, that means smaller meals, painful compromises, and constant anxiety about feeding children and pregnant women. This worry is deepened by the measles outbreak spreading through the overcrowded camps, where every sick child brings fresh fear. Daily essentials like cooking fuel, including LPG, remain another persistent struggle. And yet, amid these hardships, we met women sitting together in safe spaces, sewing, talking, and supporting one another, small acts that help restore dignity, confidence, and connection. Their resilience was unmistakable, but so was the message they left with us: women’s protection and well-being cannot be an afterthought in this protracted crisis.

At the same time, we witnessed inspiring examples of strength and innovation in host communities. Women’s groups are coming together to save, invest, and grow small businesses, from cultivating fresh produce to using simple digital tools to manage finances. These initiatives are not only improving incomes but also strengthening social cohesion, reducing harmful practices, and enabling families to invest in their children’s education. The leadership and collective spirit of these women stand out as a powerful example of what is possible.

We also observed improvements in camp management and services over time. Bangladesh continues to shoulder an extraordinary responsibility by hosting over a million Rohingya refugees. The scale and complexity of this effort cannot be overstated, and the progress made reflects strong coordination and commitment.

Yet, there is another dimension that requires urgent attention: the aspirations of young people. Many adolescents and youth told us they feel they are “growing up without a pathway.” Without access to structured education or meaningful engagement, their potential remains untapped. Investing in youth is not only about the present, but it is also about shaping a more stable and productive future for the entire region.

All of this is unfolding at a time when the world is facing multiple crises. Conflicts in different parts of the globe, including the Middle East, are placing unprecedented strain on humanitarian resources and attention. As global priorities shift, long-standing situations like the Rohingya response risk becoming underfunded, not because they are less important, but because the system itself is stretched.

This moment calls for reflection and for renewed thinking.

The Rohingya response is no longer only a humanitarian challenge. It is also a question of long-term policy, regional stability, and shared responsibility. Continuing to meet immediate needs remains essential, but it must be complemented by forward-looking approaches that expand opportunities and reduce dependency over time. What might this look like?

First, sustained and predictable funding is critical, not only to save lives but to protect progress already made in areas like education, Women and child protection, and community resilience.

Second, there is a need to gradually expand access to learning and skills-building opportunities, particularly for adolescents and youth, in ways that benefit both refugees and host communities.

Third, continued investment in host communities is essential to maintain social cohesion and ensure that support is balanced and inclusive.

Finally, there is a growing need for renewed dialogue and collaboration at the regional and global levels.

Durable solutions require not only humanitarian action but also diplomatic engagement, policy innovation, and collective commitment.

The people we met in Cox’s Bazar are not defined by their circumstances alone. They are defined by their aspirations, for safety, for education, for dignity, and for a future where they can contribute meaningfully to society. Their message is clear: progress is possible, but it cannot be taken for granted.

At this crossroads, the choices made by the international community, regional actors, and all stakeholders will shape not only the future of the Rohingya response but also the broader promise of shared humanity in an increasingly complex world.

Adnan Junaid is the Regional Vice President-Asia at the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

Hasina Rahman is the Deputy Regional Director-Asia at the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

[The views expressed in this article are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Daily Bonik Barta]