CAMP LIVELIHOODS
The amount of aid allocated per
household varies between camps
depending on how the agencies that
provide services in different locations
approach their work. Basic food
assistance, overseen by the World
Food Programme, is around BDT
840 per person per month, or BDT
5,040 for the average six-member
household. Refugees also regularly
receive shelter materials, other
nonfood items, healthcare, and other
services. On average, respondents
estimated that it costs BDT 7,978
per month to meet a household’s
basic expenses, thus the need to
supplement aid.
Income sources in the previous month
INCOME SOURCE
AVERAGE AMOUNT RECEIVED
No income
45%
Cash for work/
NGO volunteer
41%
Sell rations
18%
Remittance
8%
Other (running
a shop, informal
labor, etc.)
6%
BDT 0
Average monthly
income = BDT 2,648
BDT 4, 783
BDT 469
BDT 4, 760
BDT 3, 206
Multiple response question
“
My daughters are crying. I feel so bad that I have no money. I want to go back [to Myanmar] as soon as possible.
Others who are jobless and wasting time here feel the same. Those who have jobs can stay busy. They can sleep
well. They have fewer family problems. But for us who are jobless it is difficult. We spend our time gossiping,
which creates problems sometimes, too. We quarrel and fight.
- Rohingya father of three, age 33
A former primary school headmaster and businessman from Maungdaw living in Camp 16
UNMET NEEDS
While basic food and material needs are largely addressed by NGOs, families face various financial pressures unaddressed
by the humanitarian response. Survey respondents on average estimated their household expenses at BDT 7,978 per month,
nearly three times the average reported income of BDT 2,648 per month.
Families try to supplement their food
rations, which meet basic caloric needs,
with vegetables, fish, fruit, and other
items found in camp markets.
Expenditure varies
Travel to Cox’s Bazar to seek medical
attention for a condition not treatable
in camp facilities:
BDT 2,975 or higher
Many parents strive to pay for children’s
religious education or private tutoring
to supplement non-formal learning
activities led by humanitarian agencies:
BDT 40 to 600
Average amount of dowry paid: 1560
USD (132,000 BDT); dowry amount
varies widely and median amount is
BDT 30,000
Data and mobile call package:
BDT 350 to 700 per month
Families typically purchase clothing
around religious holidays. Cost per
item varies:
BDT 85 to 5,200
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