findings i: movement restrictions in bangladesh Reason for Restrictions: Weaken Rohingya Community A majority of interview respondents also reported that they thought the GoB was trying to suppress, weaken, or torture the Rohingya population. Many respondents thought that the reason for this could be to ensure that Rohingya continue to have fewer rights and a lower living standard than the host Bangladeshi population out of concern that the Bangladeshi host community would grow envious of the Rohingya population and put political pressure on the government if Rohingya had their rights intact.58 Rohingya respondents also cited current restrictions that prevent Rohingya from earning as much as Bangladeshi staff when working for INGOs to support this idea of weakening the Rohingya community. Reason for Restrictions: Other Some respondents simply thought that the restrictions were put in place for the police to make money, as more restrictions provide more opportunity for extortion.59 Others thought movement restrictions were intentionally put in place to prevent Rohingya from integrating with Bangladeshi society so that future repatriation efforts would be easier for the government. Some respondents took a broader perspective, reporting that they believed the authorities were treating them in this way because they did not view them as human beings deserving of dignity and rights. Reason for Restrictions: Police Perspectives When APBn officers were asked about the reasons for restrictions on Rohingya, they generally held the perspective that all Rohingya needs are met by humanitarian organisations and, therefore, they do not need to leave the refugee camps. Some also mentioned that Rohingya should not be allowed to achieve a higher standard of living in Bangladesh. An APBN officer named Hossain (pseudonym) said, “When they can work outside the camp they will have money, and they will want to live like the Bangladeshi people. According to the rules of the Rohingya response, all the needs of the Rohingya will be fulfilled by humanitarian organisations. Some people are in need of the extra money, and they want to work outside the camp. But, we can’t allow them to go there for work because of the rules and regulations. It is in our official rules that Rohingya people can’t be allowed to go outside the camp. Some people still go outside the camp to work by hiding from the police.”60 58 59 60 A 2020 study examining Bangladeshi perceptions of the Rohingya reported an increase in the cost of living and a decrease in income that the host community directly related to the influx of Rohingya and subsequent influx of humanitarian aid and assistance for the Rohingya. Many locals expressed feeling that their needs were being neglected by both the GoB and the international community. Nonetheless, a state’s inability to meet its citizens’ needs does not legitimise violating the rights of its denizens. Asian Journal of Comparative Politics. The locals and the Rohingyas: Trapped with an uncertain future. 2020. This will be further discussed in Section III: Justice and Corruption. Interview P01 31