The Role of ICT in Refugee Governance in Bangladesh

The study discusses the evolving role of information and communication technology (ICT) in refugee crisis management, transitioning from a humanitarian to an enabling model. The focus is on how ICT contributes to education, self-reliance, skill development and entrepreneurship among refugees, marking a shift in the paradigm of how refugee crises are addressed. The study, centred in Bangladesh, explores the intricate connection between ICT and the governance of refugee landscapes. It delves into questions about how ICT ensures safety and dignity for refugees in camps during transitory settlement, as well as considering its impact on future refugee management and resettlement. The research, conducted through content analysis and based on secondary data, reveals that ICT interventions offer comprehensive benefits. They create a platform involving various stakeholders, emphasising a trade-off in Rohingya refugee governance, providing geo-localised support, aiding in adverse situations, and identifying harmonised ideas for coordinated actions. The article aims to present a concise snapshot of ICT’s current role, its potential, ongoing strategies, and possibilities for achieving easier, cheaper and better outcomes for refugees.