Rohingya refugees living in camps at Ukhiya and Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar observed Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday, March 21, 2026, amid mixed emotions of faith and grief. While children showed brief moments of joy after morning prayers, many adults were seen mourning lost relatives and recalling the violence that forced them from Myanmar’s Rakhine State. The memories of persecution and the hardships of refugee life overshadowed the festive spirit.

During the Eid congregation, several imams and worshippers broke down in tears, praying for justice and expressing gratitude to the government and people of Bangladesh for sheltering them. They also sought divine help for a safe and dignified return to Myanmar. Camp resident Yunus Arman said celebrating Eid in exile felt empty compared to the traditions of their homeland.

According to the commander of the 8 Armed Police Battalion, security was tightened across the camps to ensure peaceful Eid prayers. Over 1.1 million Rohingya now live in 32 camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf, following the 2017 exodus from Myanmar.