K.M. Parvez Geopsychiatry 3 (2026) 100091 Fig. 1. Study area map. large-scale deforestation, land degradation, and ecological imbalance, increasing vulnerability to landslides and flooding, particularly during the monsoon season [15]. These environmental transformations are closely linked to humanitarian governance challenges, as resource scarcity and ecological degradation complicate service delivery and long-term sustainability [17,19]. As a result, the Rohingya crisis can be understood not only as a case of forced displacement but also as part of a broader pattern of environmental and climate-related migration pres­ sures in Bangladesh. Within Cox's Bazar, the sub-districts of Ukhia and Teknaf host the majority of refugee camps, including Kutupalong and Balukhali, forming a highly dense and spatially constrained humanitarian environment. The camps are situated in ecologically fragile zones, including defor­ ested hills and environmentally sensitive areas, which further compli­ cates the relationship between human settlement and environmental sustainability. The high concentration of refugees in these areas has created what can be described as a “crisis within a crisis,” where hu­ manitarian needs and environmental degradation reinforce each other. Resource scarcity, waste management challenges, and increased de­ mand for fuel and water have intensified both environmental stress and social tension within host communities [21,23]. At the same time, the geographical proximity to Myanmar creates a paradoxical spatial con­ dition, where return remains physically conceivable but politically constrained, reinforcing uncertainty among refugees [2,9,18]. From an analytical perspective, the study area represents a conver­ gence point of forced migration, climate vulnerability, and humanitar­ ian governance. The spatial concentration of displaced populations within a climate-sensitive coastal region transforms Cox's Bazar into a unique geographical setting for examining how displacement, environ­ ment, and human well-being interact. The camps are not merely sites of shelter but are embedded within a broader ecological and socioeconomic system that shapes everyday experiences, risk exposure, and long-term sustainability. This geographical context is therefore essential for understanding the Rohingya crisis not only as a political or hu­ manitarian issue but also as a spatial and environmental phenomenon, where climate pressures, migration dynamics, and governance struc­ tures intersect to produce complex and layered vulnerabilities [15,17]. 3. Methodology This study employed a qualitative research design (Fig. 2) to explore the lived experiences of Rohingya refugees and to examine how struc­ tural conditions shape displacement, vulnerability, and psychosocial outcomes. A qualitative approach is particularly appropriate for this study, as it allows for an in-depth understanding of subjective experi­ ences, meanings, and perceptions that cannot be adequately captured through quantitative methods. By focusing on narrative accounts and personal testimonies, the study aims to connect macro-level political dynamics with micro-level lived realities, aligning with a geopsychiatric perspective that emphasizes the interaction between geopolitical con­ texts and mental health. The research was conducted among Rohingya refugees residing in camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, which hosts the largest refugee settlement in the world. These camps represent a context of protracted displacement characterized by restricted mobility, limited access to formal employment, dependence on humanitarian assistance, and ongoing uncertainty regarding repatriation. The study draws on qualitative data collected from a total of 100 Rohingya participants, ensuring a substantial and diverse sample for thematic analysis. Par­ ticipants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure repre­ sentation across key demographic and social categories, including adult 3