Health

Bangladesh's laws and policies do not explicitly address or prohibit refugees' and asylum-seekers' access to primary or secondary public healthcare services. While mental healthcare services and support to the person with disabilities are covered, there is no legal guarantee for their access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. However, gender-based violence (GBV) laws and support services apply to all residents, including refugees. The legal framework also provides some judicial and administrative remedies for healthcare access, which refugees and asylum-seekers can utilize. 

The Government of Bangladesh, along with health partners, has developed strategies to provide primary and secondary healthcare services to Rohingya refugees, including mental health support, special support to the refugees with disabilities and sexual and reproductive health care services. However, the framework for Rohingya response does not cover non-Rohingya asylum-seekers or refugees, leaving them without formal access to public healthcare. Despite this, some non-Rohingya asylum-seekers and refugees manage to access government and private hospitals for primary healthcare services through private arrangements, as domestic laws do not explicitly prohibit such access. UNHCR provides the non-Rohingya asylum-seekers and refugees with need-based individual cash assistance that help them to access primary healthcare services in Bangladesh. 

The Constitution of Bangladesh broadly ensures healthcare access, with Article 18(1) prioritizing public health as a state duty. The country’s constitutional obligations to improve public health and nutrition are not legally guaranteed but depend on progressive realization. In a case between Dr. M. Farooque v. Bangladesh, The Supreme Court has interpreted the right to life to include healthcare access for all, including non-citizens. The 2018 Communicable Diseases Act applies generally and may cover asylum-seekers and refugees, while the 2012 Disaster Management Act ensures primary healthcare during emergencies regardless of citizenship. The 2011 National Health Policy promotes equitable access to primary and emergency medical services. Despite the lack of a formal asylum framework, these laws provide a legal basis for refugees to access and receive healthcare. 

In addition to the above, the Water Act, 2013 prioritizes access to potable water, hygiene, and sanitation, yet Rohingya refugee camps continue to face severe health hazards due to inadequate facilities. Furthermore, The Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2013 defines various disabilities, while the Mental Health Act, 2018 ensures healthcare, dignity, and rehabilitation for individuals with mental health conditions. Refugees and asylum-seekers are also covered under Bangladesh’s gender-based violence laws, including the Prevention of Oppression Against Women and Children Act, 2000, which addresses crimes such as rape, domestic abuse, and acid attacks, mandating medical and protective support. The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010 provides medical treatment and shelter, while the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2012 offers protection for trafficking victims, including refugees, ensuring access to healthcare, legal aid, and rehabilitation. Additionally, the Acid Offense Control Act, 2002 guarantees medical care and rehabilitation for acid attack victims, regardless of their legal status. 

The Health Sector provides healthcare to Rohingya refugees through 48 Health Posts and 46 Primary Health Care Clinics (as of June 2025). An established referral system, approved by the GoB, outlined in the Health Sector Patient Referral SOP, directs patients to five field hospitals for secondary care, but access requires prior referral from primary healthcare facilities. Several technical documents guide healthcare in the Rohingya refugee camps. The Minimum Package of Essential Health Services ensures evidence-based, equitable care, while the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Treatment Guidelines set up clinical management protocols with limited resources. The Health and Protection Joint Operational Framework focuses on high-quality, coordinated services for vulnerable groups during crises. The Accountability to Affected Populations Framework strengthens accountability through communication. In August 2023, a General Health Card was introduced to streamline healthcare access and medical information flow. Health Posts offer basic services and refer patients to Primary Health Centers, which operate 24/7. One-Stop Crisis Centers provide medical, psychological, legal, and shelter support for survivors of gender-based violence. Mobile clinics and programs for persons with disabilities offer medical care and rehabilitation, and health facilities are modified for better accessibility. 

Rohingya refugees face significant barriers to healthcare, including low health literacy, long wait times, language issues, and geographic challenges. Movement restrictions, financial constraints, and overcrowding also hinder access to secondary care and clean water. Limited information about healthcare services, along with poverty and trauma, further complicated access. Sexual and reproductive health services are restricted by cultural beliefs, lack of skilled providers, and limited knowledge. In the camps, gender-based violence is a major issue, while mental health stigma and lack of awareness prevent many refugees from seeking necessary care. Moreover, reports of challenges around the registration of some Rohingya refugee children for humanitarian assistance and protection unless the mother has agreed to health authority's request for long term family planning.