Patron-client relationship in the Rohingya camps: recent trends and impact on refugee governance

Abstract Bangladesh’s rapidly increasing population is putting immense pressure on its resources. Additionally, the country bears the responsibility of providing shelter and protection to millions of Rohingya refugees. This article explores the existing hierarchical patron-client system and its impact on the Rohingya camp and its surrounding areas in Bangladesh, involving all the stakeholders. Through in-depth interviews and case study analysing approach, the study highlights the manifestation of exploitation and the patterns of clientelism among the Rohingya and the host community in accessing the resources. It also assesses the vulnerability of the Rohingya community and the local populations, revealing how the governance is facing significant challenges despite having aid from national and global agencies due to the regional complex political economy. The new survival strategy adopted by the Rohingya and the locals in the name of power and resource exchange creates new minority groups in the locality and challenges that ought to bring new dynamics considering the future policy development regarding repatriation of the Rohingyas. The unfamiliar socio-economic transition that emerged from the influx of Rohingya refugees since 2017 demands new strategic policy formulation to govern the camp and repatriation strategy. The study affirms the urgent need to formulate such policy to bring peaceful co-existence of the Rohingya and the local host. It urges the importance of acknowledging the existing multi-dimensional patron-client relationships in the camp to improve refugee governance strategy and develop durable solutions.