An average of 100 children are born every day in the Rohingya camps of Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, according to a report published on May 12, 2026. Officials attribute the high birth rate to limited education, lack of awareness about family planning, and conservative social norms. The growing population has increased pressure on Bangladesh’s resources, while the government’s two-child policy for refugees has shown little effect. Previous attempts to control birth rates faced objections from UNHCR, which cited human rights concerns.

UNHCR data show 1,184,864 registered Rohingya refugees across 33 camps in Cox’s Bazar and one in Bhasan Char. Between July 2024 and February 2026, 144,456 new refugees were registered, with birth rates rising during the same period. Experts warn that the expanding population could heighten social, economic, and security challenges for Bangladesh if repatriation remains stalled.

Authorities have updated the Family Planning Strategy 2026–2030, emphasizing voluntary long-term methods such as implants and copper-T. Religious leaders and community representatives are being engaged to raise awareness, while officials stress that sustainable repatriation remains the only long-term solution.