First release: Access Awareness and Governance, Papers from the TECH POLICY FELLOWSHIP

Writer:

Manisha Biswas

Senior Officer, Legal and Research

Social Justice and Inclusion Cluster, BLAST

 

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Rakhine State, the home of every Rohingya, is one of the under-privileged states of Myanmar, where almost half of population were living under the poverty line. The government of Myanmar has gone to great lengths to persecute the Rohingya community by confiscating their land, demanding they perform forced labour, restricting their freedom of movement, assembly, and association, and arbitrarily arresting and detaining members of the community . Thus, the atrocities over the Rohingya community became institutionalized over time. This sort of deprivation led to severe violence of human rights as it directly relates to a community’s survival. Where the basic survival rights were the Rohingys’ first priority, rights like access to internet and information was naturally come as luxury to them.

During the period when the military controlled the government, news reports believed to include sensitive topics were subject to strict censorship. In 2012, when government repealed the pre-censorship laws, it opened a gateway for unregulated media platform, which had come with unwanted consequences. Discordant voices that had previously been silenced by the military-led administration began to emerge in order to stir racial and religious discord towards the minority, specifically Rohingys . As a result, to that, the world had seen one of the largest influx in 2017 where more than 742,000 Rohingyas took shelter in Bangladesh .

With the assistance from Bangladesh Government and the emergency response from several humanitarian organization till date, helps this persecuted community to come out from their past trauma and shift their focus onto developing them as a skilled community. Since it’s been five years for them in Bangladesh, the dimension of their lifestyle is gradually changing which includes security of their basic needs, knowledge about their rights and increasing needs of entertainment. Cheap smartphone, availability of illegal SIM Card, opportunity to rent local house with wifi facility opens a new horizon and hope for the Refugees to make their life even more better.

In this study the author will take a deep dive into the manners of how Rohingya people are using social media to adapt in new environment, how it is related to local integration. The author will go further explaining how this integration is more likely to Artificial Intelligence driven.

Abstracts:

Based on the experiences of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, this essay focuses on displaced people’s access to the internet, their unique methods of accessing the internet, Internet diet, and how they use it to seek long-term solutions. The article begins with a discussion of the Rohingya refugees’ use of diverse digital platforms and Internet access methods. The article will paint a picture of how internet use aids a Rohingya refugee’s self-development and social integration. A refugee’s formal internet usage would pave the way for them to remain connected to their origins and give them hope for a connection with the rest of the world, according to field research findings. The research proposes hybrid solutions to overcome restrictions faced by the refugee community due to the host government’s policies. Additionally, the results demonstrate that refugees are using the internet to search for other solutions to improve their lives, among which local integration is just one. The article discusses policy considerations regarding displacement and digital rights.

Key word: Digital Adaptation, Local Integration, Internet consumption, Artificial Intelligence

1Background Study:

1.1Smartphone Usage of Rohingya People: before and after influx:

Internet was introduced in Myanmar in 1990, but the advantage of internet was confined in some wealthy and politically connected society till 2011 . The arrival of two international mobile providers Telenor and Ooredoo along with state provider MPT changed the whole statistics led more than 30% of people to have access in internet . By the year of 2016, 51 million Myanmar residents had access to the internet, which has altered the entire communication landscape in Myanmar . The paradigm of communication wholly shifted to Facebook. It was reported that, till 2017 in Myanmar, Many Internet users do not consider the Internet to be much more than tools like Facebook .

Before 2017, the estimation of Rohingya in Myanmar was nearly 1 million . There is a very little information about the actual rate of accessibility of internet for Rohingya people in Myanmar. As per the view of the Rohingya community, only wealthy sector of the society could afford smartphone where the rest of them could use cellular phone. Family member used to share one phone among themselves. After the influx, in September 2019, the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) issued an order to the leading mobile operators in the country to halt the provision of 3G and 4G mobile Internet service in the region where the Rohingya camps are located. The reason behind this decision was concerns regarding security, as well as allegations that mobile access was contributing to an increase in illegal drug trade. Additionally, there were claims that refugees were obtaining network access through the use of SIM cards obtained from the black market, as the purchase of SIM cards was restricted to Bangladeshi citizens with national identity cards . After a year of suspension, the Govt. of Bangladesh restored internet in 2020, where 3G and 4G network are well functioning . In today’s date almost, every family has access to internet to have the latest news, to communicate with friends and relatives from oversees and to amuse themselves with different content from internet.

1.2Digital Adaptation: Digital platform like google, facebook and others, requires personal information to create an account, which basically direct the audience towards the content that suits to such particular users. Once a user develops a specific habit on such content, he/she will be more exposed to those specific content. Since most of the Rohingyas get their first smartphone in Bangladesh and they are using the Bangladeshi SIM, it is very natural that they create their account with Bangladeshi phone number and location. Additionally, living right next to host community and getting easy entry to village helps the Rohingyas to be friend with Bangladeshi National in person and via internet. As the advance AI of digital platform regulate every search, likes, comment and views of users, it also provides content in line with such behavioral pattern of users. This whole process is, both directly and indirectly, paving the way of digital integration. A very common example would be, an evident transition of Rohingya youth’s clothing choice, instead of wearing lungi and shirt, they wear jeans, t-shirts and shirts in their day-to-day life.

1.3Local Integration:

Every displaced person in the world does aspire to go back to their mother land, if not, then at least, to live a secure life. It is not otherwise for the Rohingya people as well. But as the years are adding numbers, their hope is also fading way. In this scenario they have two options left which are third country settlement and Local integration. Given the risk in illegal third country settlement, anyone would choose informal local integration to live with recognition. The survivors who had experienced the persecution at their early age, are opting for this kind of durable solution. Additionally, a growing sense of belonging in Bangladesh among the youth leading them to adapt in new culture.

The social, ethnic, linguistic, and religious characteristics that the Rohingya share with the host population, particularly their shared adherence to Islam, contribute to their presence and overall, to the informal integration in Bangladesh. As a result, social media platforms are vastly using for sharing common and love interest which even leading to inter-marriage in these two communities, meeting new friends. A closer look will explain that such marriage and adapting the behavior of a new environment are the own informal approach to be accepted and acknowledged by others.

Literature Review:

Time to time refugee express their urge in need of affordable and available connectivity to the world. Research carried out by UNHCR shows that, refugees view connectivity as a vital survival tool, frequently placing it above education, clothing, and health care . According to Save the Children research conducted in the camps, 50% of refugee families have access to a smartphone and would thus be able to obtain information in this manner . But due to restrictions and confinement situation in the majority of refugee camp settlements in cox’s Bazar, mobile Internet and calling access is highly unreliable or poor, with inconsistent data coverage and poor voice quality . Bending the system with the urge of connecting to the mainstreaming world, these forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens are using SIM cards from two or three operators in Myanmar and Bangladesh, which they obtained by registering illegally as locals . As protracted refugee, they are, apparently, deprived from any sorts of formal education, employment, movement and access to justice. This deprivation leads them to choose coping mechanism with their surroundings letting the local integration be one of them.

Extensive research has been conducted in the context of the Rohingya population, specifically examining the adverse effects caused by the absence of internet connectivity in their camp areas, which hinders the provision of uninterrupted services to them. Various international non-governmental organisations (INGOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the United Nations (UN) have recognised this issue and are actively working towards addressing it by devising strategies to resolve the problem. In this study, the author attempts to establish a correlation between digital accessibility and the process of local integration in Roingya refugee context.

2. Methodology:

To attain the object of this research and find out the answer to research question, the author will conduct ethnographic research over different camps. Key informant interview is chosen as an approach, as it will help to extract the thought and largely the behavioral patterns of Rohingya people. As the study wanted focus on the thoughts, behavioral patterns of young users, it chooses 15 key informants between 18-32 ages, who are working as volunteer, teacher and support staff in different NGO. The interview is based on a scripted questionnaire, so that it could guide the interviewee within the theme of the research question. However, to maintain the flow of discussion, and to explore even further, the study took different approach along with following the questionnaire.

Furthermore, the author has been closely observing the Rohingya community, where she interacts with every stratum of the community on a daily basis. It gives the author entirely different perspective over the research topic and very thorough insights about the research question, which will definitely reflect in the discussion. Using this research topic, the author would try to explore the following:

1. The internet diet of Rohingya community as an attempt to fit in with host community.

2. Would the Rohingya community be opted for the local integration?

3. The co-relation between digital and local integration. And lastly

4. How AI contribute in the journey of adaptation in new environment?

3. Limitation:

Due to the nature of the KII and the limited time available for the research, to some extent, it was not possible to establish a high level of trust between the author and the interviewee. To ensure the privacy and comfort of the participants, the researcher refrains from requesting for access to their social media profiles. Furthermore, while there was a questionnaire in place, the researcher occasionally deviated from it in order to maintain the flow of a natural conversation, using it more as an overview.

The research sample provides only a limited view of how people interact with mobile phones and the role these devices play in social settings. Similar to other qualitative research studies, our data does not represent the Rohingya camp as a whole. Instead, it provides fresh insights into the digital-social dynamics within this confined area. It is important to note that these findings are not representative of all types of digital users, and it would be incorrect to make generalisations about all internet users from camps in based on this information.

While our understanding of certain social and digital phenomena may be limited due to a small sample size, researcher aim to present all findings so that it could open a new avenue among the researchers.

4. Findings:

4.1Mode of Accessing Internet in Camp:

That refugees have access to smartphones is no secret. It’s interesting that the SIM card they use in Bangladesh requires biometric registration by a citizen of Bangladesh, indicating that a Rohingya refugee has no legal access to purchasing a SIM card . In answer to the question that how a rohingya is managing to access in internet, the study demonstrates some modes for that;

1. The local mobile shops, SIM distributer even the local people sell SIM Card to one Bangladeshi with one biometric thumb impression, but the seller would take 10-15 thumb impression at a time. So, what they do is, with this extra thumb impression and one NID Card they could issue 10-15 SIM Card at a time. Refugees would be charged five times as much for this extra SIM Card as it actually cost.

“I bought my Teletok SIM from a local for 300 taka in late 2019. This kind of SIM has different range of price according to its utilization. For example, SIM with an active bKash account are the most expensive, you have to cost minimum 800-1000 taka for that” (man- Camp 9)

2. Most aspiring youth are now opted to take rented house near the camp area with Wi-Fi access so that their online work is not disrupted. Some of them has laptop or smartphone to realize their work in internet.

“Since I began learning freelancing in late 2022, I have frequently required an uninterrupted internet connection. There are specific areas in the Camp area where I can have such a smooth connection that they are at the top of hills. After much deliberation, my friend and I decided to rent a room from a nearby host community with 24/7 WIFI facility. I can now spend the entire day on the internet without concern and invest my time to learning.” (man- Camp 10)

3. Another intriguing scenario is that some host community families are providing internet access to youth, particularly adolescents and children, and this family has 20-25 smartphones readily accessible for rental on an hourly basis.

However, the situation is quite the opposite when it comes to women and girls. A very nominal number of married women has the access to the internet, that too communicate with their husband or son who lives abroad while the rest of the families have a cellular phone with restrictions.

4.2 Social Media Usage among Rohingya Refugees:

Each interview with key informants has led the study to explore the daily use of the internet in camps. Apart from making phone calls to friends and family, the study investigates about their most useful social media platform. Since no one can have a stable internet connection while at camp, the study also looked more deeply into the underlying social variables that influence people’s decisions about what to put in their phones and how to use the information. While people can manage smartphones at their convenience, having the internet is not that easy for them to manage. So, the availability of internet is an important factor which constantly curving the usage of different internet-oriented applications. The research also looks into the patterns of information sharing, the manner to minimize the internet problem and social perception that revolves around the usage of internet.

For instance: One key informant reveals that he frequently visits local computer stores to download news reports, amusing videos, songs, and movies in order to avoid internet problems and to enjoy them later at his own convenience.

4.2.1 Popular Application:

Unquestionably, Facebook and Messenger are the most widely used social media platforms among Rohingya communities. Facebook is popular among them not only because it provides a variety of content but also because of the feature that enables users to use Messenger without paying for data. By that, people remain more connected and enjoy more videos, and news while using the app in offline.

Imo is the next most popular social media platform. While, in addition to communicating with loved ones, they may use the app to share material like photos, videos, reels, etc. Youtube has a major attraction among the Rohingya community since it provides informational content, diverse blogging, and videos. Given the unreliable internet connection, the informant stated that they utilize the YouTube download feature and many downloading programs, such as Videmate, Snatube, xender, Sharit and Tubemate, to reduce their internet reliance.

According to 15 key informants’ reports, the study shades some light on the usage of social media platforms by them.

In addition, there are various more apps that are intended to pursue other interests. Such as:

• The younger generation’s affinity for the app TikTok is growing at an impressive rate. Its straightforward functionality and more user-friendly features makes it popular to the rohingya community. Interestingly they are not just a passive consumer or audience of this app, they participate and make plethora of reels in this site.

“I had one million viewers in tiktok, when I was regularly posting reels in there. But recently my profile had banned for some reason.” (Nur Sadek, Camp 9)

• Recently, online sports betting services like 1xBet became well-known in the camp area due to the popularity of football and the opportunity to make money from it. Viewing games while placing bets on the team of choice has emerged as a new form of enjoyment, particularly for male users. There are rumors that you can earn up to 50,000 takas by using this platform, which makes people more interested in it.

• Apps like Snapchat, Kinemaster and CapCut offer some tempting capabilities that youthful users can take use of for the purpose of video editing and taking aesthetically pleasing pictures. They frequently experiment with the many functions of the programme, including uploading shots and trying out new features. As stated by the informants, this serves as both a source of enjoyment for them and an effort on their part to become famous among their friends and family.

• Apps like Free Fire, PUBG, Dream League, and Dream League Soccer are extremely popular gaming platforms. Some offline brain-teasing games, such as Candy Crash, Carrom Board, and Ludu are especially popular with women.

4.2.2 Data Cost:

The availability of the network and authorization to leave the camp are the two main factors that affect how much data the community’s residents could use. The functional internet connection in camps is reportedly provided by Robi and Grameenphone sim. But outside of the camp, in the village and local bazaar, every SIM has a reliable internet connection. Nonetheless, those who reside at the summit of hills have better internet connections than the general population. They would then have to climb to the hill’s summit in order to communicate during any emergency. For a male user, this is a typical thing to do, but a female user cannot do the same because they frequently have restrictions on leaving the house.

“Grameenphone has a superior internet network in Camp-9 than the other operators. But if we go for a walk and go to the market, Robi Sim functions perfectly. When you cross the police checkpoint and work your way towards the camp, the internet becomes slower.” (Volunteer, Camp-9)

The informants use mobile data on a daily, weekly and monthly basis at their convenience. Due to the fact that the majority of informants are volunteers for various organizations, they could manage the data costs with their stipends. However, they believe that broadband is the most practical choice for them as it causes less buffering.

4.3 Social Media Platform as a Today’s Teacher:

The children and adolescents in the camp area receive the fundamental education that is provided by the education sector. Nonetheless, the vast majority of the teens are dissatisfied with the schooling that is provided in the camp area. They are worried that it will have a negative impact on their future generation because many of them hope to find better jobs and opportunities in the camp area. They believe that the activities and lessons that are delivered at the camp are more suited to children who are between the ages of five and ten, which basically corresponds to primary education . In today’s world, this educational void is increasingly being filled by the internet. They recognize that the utility of their mobile phones helps them with their higher studies, including the capacity to develop vocational skills like learning about the solar system, different designs of sewing, and different embroidery work and D.I.Y home decoration through YouTube.

After the ban on the use of the internet was repealed by the Bangladeshi government, the availability of smartphones and internet connections progressively altered the Rohingya community’s way of life. After conducting in-depth interviews with informants, the study was able to conclude that the majority of respondents are smartphone novices. They are growing knowledge about the functionality, features and configuration of this device by using it.

4.3.1 Self-Education:

Younger people who use smart phones constantly have an interest in learning more about their own language, culture, and history. Besides, in order to adapt to the modern way of life, they subscribe to a variety of channels and pages on both Facebook and YouTube. According to the informant, the internet is a worthy medium for users of all ages since it provides access to knowledge, allows for self-directed learning that contributes to cognitive development, and helps users to polish their professional skills.

It was forbidden for members of the Rohingya population in Myanmar to study their native language. The educational institute placed an exclusive emphasis on the Burmese, Rakhain, and English languages, all of which are typically challenging for a Rohingya pupil to even comprehend. Teachers were not allowed to teach Rohingya history, culture, or language in schools, and they were even forbidden from using the term “Rohingya” in their classes.

The circumstances, however, have managed to evolve. In camp area, apart from Burmees and English language, Rohingya dialect is also being taught and always being encouraged to study.

Hence to have in-depth knowledge about its practical utilization young learner subscribed to different YouTube channel and using WhatsApp.

“In Myanmar, we cannot learn the Rohingya Language. We had no knowledge about the writing of Rohingya Language. But now using whatsApp, I can learn the written version easily. Now I can both write and read Rohingya Language.” (Camp-9, Young Mobile User)

Multiple informants noted that, while working as volunteers, particularly during Covid, when they were on the ground supporting the beneficiaries around-the-clock, they frequently received instructions and directives in English from the management. At that time, they managed to learn to use Google Translate to comprehend the true intent of the messages. Using this app, they even learn how to respond to messages. Apart from that some of them has learn how to fix their mobile by watching YouTube tutorial.

4.3.2 Entertainment:

Apart from communicating with people, and creating own network, entrainment is one of main reason to buy a smart-phone. In that case both video and audio content have similar appeal in terms of consuming. The informants shared that they watch content from various language; which basically includes Bangla, Hindi and English.

• Humorous content will make it to the top of the list in terms of popular content. Video content from YouTube channel named ‘CSC Music’ is reported as a mostly viewed channel among the Rohingya community. According to them, character named; Gura Miah, Leda Miah, Shona Miah mostly reflect the camp culture in humorous manner. There are other channels with likeminded content such as; Omor on Fire, Free Motion have similar consumption among the young users

• Honla, a type of traditional wedding song, is very well known among them. Local artist like Bulbul Akter, Astofa are someone who has significant fan-base from the rohingya community. Bangladeshi mainstream song from artists like Gogon Shakib, Imran Mahmudul are also in the radar of both male and female smart-phone users.

5. Refugee Integration Process; Where the Rohingya Refugee Stand:

There is concept of multi-dimensional approach of integration, where it is deemed that, integration could be done either by one-way or two-way process . Whereas the former method only placed the burden of assimilating into the host community on the refugee community, the latter strategy discusses the participation of both the host and refugee communities in the adaptation process . These strategies require direct involvement of government to enact policies and to develop a welcoming attitude towards the refugee at large, so that the massage could disseminate to the host community who has a large role to play in this scenario.

25th October of 2022 marked the 5th anniversary of brutality of Myanmar military which led to the Rohingys’ to be “Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs)”. In 2004, UNHCR identified this circumstance and referred to these refugees as “Protracted Refugees”, where populations of 25,000 persons or more who have been in exile for five or more years in developing countries with no immediate prospect of durable solution . In such circumstances, refugees do not know what the future holds. Hopelessness and misery erode their sense of self-worth, while the interminability of the situation reduces the desire of donor nations to give sufficient goods and services to meet the refugees’ fundamental requirements. The recent cut of food aid, from the WFP to 10 USD per person from 12 USD which will lead to greater food insecurity and malnutrition for Rohingya Refugee community, is already giving the hint of how the crisis will get worse in upcoming future . Since the Bangladesh government stands in no position to promote the idea of integrating Rohingya refugees locally due to the country’s high population density and financial constraints in supporting its own citizens, Rohingya community finding their way out to have a secure and peaceful life. Since the two communities share similar social, ethnic, linguistic, and religious standards and principles, instead of facing government restrictions, the Rohingya community’s members are finding their own paths to integration through intermarriage, illegally possessing land from their hosts, illegally obtaining Bangladeshi NID Cards, and engaging in informal employment. The presence of relatives from the host community in the Rohingya families is another noteworthy characteristic that contributes to their integration into this society.

There is a shop in camp-10 with mobile banking facilities like Bkash and Nagad. Upon further inquiry, it was discovered that the SIM was registered to a relative of the shop owner, his brother in-law, who appears to be a citizen of Bangladesh and holds an NID card.

5.1. Social Media and Integration Process:

Changes in interpersonal contact and interaction, the trade of commodities, services, and information, and the mobility of people from host to camp have all been looked at as part of emerging information and communication technologies[1]. The recent rise of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Whatsapp, and TikTok etc. is also responsible for changing the face of social interaction. This change through social media is playing a vital role for migrants since they were born and raised in one country and are now finding their living in another. Connecting via social media, making friends on this platform and interacting with them on a daily basis, as well as developing one’s own personal network, promotes a strong sense of kinship across long distances. This phenomenon has introduced us with phrases like “annihilation of space” and “death of distance”, where it clearly denotes that distance is no longer a barrier for the communication and a new avenue for communication has opened up.

5.2. Making Friends:

From the standpoint of Rohingya refugee, the communication technology opens-up a new gateway to make friends from host community and all over the world at large. Most of the interview revealed that, especially in Facebook, they randomly make friends by pressing the ‘Add Friend’ button. If the communication goes well then, they eventually get connected in the other social media platform.

“We do have friend from all over Bangladesh. We have friend from Chittagong, Barisal, Dhaka, Teknaf. We send friend request from the suggestion in Facebook. After having few chats with them, we do get along.”

When questioned was asked that, do they tried to meet those social media friends in person. Most of the male users respond as positive. To be more specific, they met in person their virtual acquaintance from Teknaf, Kutupalong, and Chokoria.

“Once I had visited in Chittagong and asked a facebook friend from Barisal to meet me in there. Since Barisal is far from Chittagong, he cannot make it.”

“I had met few of my facebook friend in person, they are all from Teknaf who has more than one million followers in tiktok.”

5.3. Love Interest from Social Media:

Since social media is widely and largely used for online dating around the world, the study is interested in learning what young users of the platform think about it or how they use its features. Participants are worried about the dangers of online dating, particularly the women. Often, people misrepresent themselves and use manipulative tactics to entice women into a relationship. They may request intimate texts, images, and videos under false pretenses, and in many cases, they use this information to blackmail the women. As a result, some women’s families may decide to leave the camp and resettle in another location, such as Bhashanchar.

“Since we do not know all the technicalities about this platform we do not have any safe access of internet. Sometime people blackmail us with video clip, photo and chats. There are incidents where this kind of clip went viral in youtube and facebook and the family has left the camp and shifted to another camp to avoid the perpetrator.” (Female volunteers, Camp-4)

However, the scenario is quite the opposite for male users. Men often converse with ladies merely to pass the time. They converse with foreign women in addition to the local ones so they may flaunt about it to their friend network.

“In camp scenario, there are nothing much to do for an adolescent boy or even men. To pass their free time, they talk to women randomly in online. Sometimes they don’t even know whether it’s a fake account or not. So social media do used as dating app, but I would say it’s merely for time pass and fun, nothing serious.” (Volunteer, Camp-10)

“We do not have any relationship from Bengali locals, as they don’t talk to us that much. But there are foreign girls who talk to us quite often and even propose to us.” (FGD)

Social media provides a significant opportunity to connect with new people from various cultures who have similar interests. Despite geographical and other restrictions, this site also gives users the chance to meet a romantic partner. On the other hand, a refugee camp was constructed with a great deal of restrictions on movement and impose instructions for how to live. The refugees, especially the younger ones, are given a sense of freedom at the tip of their finger owing to the internet with less restrictions, and this, to some extent, gives them a sense that they are more powerful in their own virtual world.

5.4 Inter-marriage in between host and refugee community:

Language, lexical expression, and other factors of effective social media involvement have been proven to influence the formation of community bonds and relationships, that can significantly impact on the behavioral pattern of a locality with multiple ethnicity[2].

Since there are rarely any barrier regarding language, societal norm and culture between host and refugee community, these factors have the potential to facilitate the connection between host and Rohingya community which could potentially lead to inter-marriage between these both communities. The study wanted to explore the actual scenario regarding this hypothesis. According to the informants, what they affirm that, people may have got into relationship in inter-community or marriage as well, but they do not see the social media has any significant role to play in this scenario. But they go on discussing that, social media like WhatsApp, Imo, Messenger has a great deal of contribution in illegal third country settlement. This platform helps to communicate with broker who could arrange everything for them.

Nonetheless, when the informants were asked do they come across of event like inter-marriage in between both communities, they had their own responses:

“There are examples, who had got married to Bengali Nationals and leave the camp. But it is very rare that any Bengali nationals leave his/her country and living in camp with their partner. Rohingys people especially women have got married to Bengali national for the security and an identity.”

“There are women who had left the camp marring with Bengali people, and now live in cox’s bazar”. (Female Volunteer)

5.5 Learning Bangla:

According to a 2017 study by Translator without Boundaries (TWB), Rohingya speakers believed that Chittagonian and Rohingya were 70% linguistically similar[1]. It further stated that on the other hand, Chittagonian speakers considered that the Cox’s Bazar dialect of Chittagonian and Rohingya had a 90% similarity[2]. However, since Bangla is commonly used by every NGO and INGO aid workers, and outside the camp all the signboard and direction are mostly written in Bangla, among young rohingyas, the study found enthusiast to learn Bangla.

In camp area, there is a strict restriction that, no Bangla would be used as a medium of communication or learning, since it has a very obvious consequence regarding integration. When questioned was asked to the participants about learning Bangla, they had very interesting response;

“Sometime when we visit any places outside of camp, we often find it difficult to know where we exactly are. We even often get lost in places.” (FGD)

“If there is a doctor who cannot understand the Rohingya properly, it gets difficult for us to make them understand about the symptom of diseases.” (FGD)

According to informant, they want to learn Bangla, so that it could make their life a bit easier, while other state that, learning Bangla could be a way to blend in with the mainstream community to avail different facilities from the locality. When the questioned was asked that, whether they know anyone who are trying to learn and read Bangla via internet, they beg to differ with this idea.

“Learning Bangla from internet seems quite tough to us, since it’s a new language with different grammar. I think people who wants to have permanent dwelling in here also wants to earn their living in a better way, are trying to learn Bangla, as it is open new exposures for you.” (volunteer, Camp-8W)

Refugees who are looking for the opportunity to obtain illegal NID Cards, to get married with the citizens of Bangladesh, to get access into the informal employment sector or to avoid the police check, have the tendency to learn Bangla. As learning a new language and its utilization has a different difficulty, they often learn the language by listening others to interact and taking tutorial from local people. On the other hand, Rohingyas tend to have several friends and family living in here, who also assist them to learn the language.

6. The Role of Digital Technology on Rohingya Refugee:

With digital technology, the Rohingya refugee has come a long way in terms of schooling, communication with the media, making money, etc. Additionally, the Rohingya community has been able to connect across distances owing to the Internet as they share similar challenges and same aspirations. Rohingya from across the world are using this platform to be vocal about their rights and their situation. As a result, a portion of Rohingya diaspora is actively bringing attention to their predicament which has provided a fresh opportunity to develop the collective Rohingya identity that, in the face of long-standing marginalisation, statelessness, and geographically dispersed settlement, would otherwise remain suppressed[1]. Issues like genocide and ethnic cleansing, daily update of Rohingya camp and most importantly the scope of Rohingya voluntary repatriation are mostly discussed topic in internet by the Rohingya Refugee. In line with that various online news portal, website, YouTube Channel have been created. For instance, Rohingya Vision, the first Rohingya satellite news station, has more than 240,000 Facebook fans and often posts political updates about the struggles that Muslim communities face around the world[2].

While these news websites help to shape the opinions of Rohingya Refugees, they also, to some extent, describe terror towards the country which they were compelled to abandon. Moreover, lack of opportunity in host country, restriction and a constant dependency on NGO & INGO’s Aid leaves the Rohingya refugees in complete darkness. To get rid of this, a recent trend is being noticed that adolescents boy, from age 15-18, are leaving camp and getting involve in day-labour while other are making perilous journey across the sea for a better life. But the other side of the coin is a very few youths are striving to get admission in higher studies in country like Turkey, Kuwait etc[3]. Posts from Facebook, Website circulation and assistance of various NGO has made it happen.

“Me and my friend regular check university’s scholarship programme and their requirement in online, we also talked to some of our acquaintance from there to understand the procedure properly. I with my friend want to study B.Ed. so that we could take teaching as profession.” (Camp-10)

Travel videos of different places of Bangladesh and its people have made a huge appeal on the Rohingya people. Women who are facing restriction in their community is being enlightened about the Bangladeshi women who has free access to education and free from social restrictions and superstitions. As a refugee, they always have the urge to live a normal life like a citizen. Digital platform has always worked as a bridge between their wish and hope in this regard.

“When I see news about Myanmar, every time I pray for some miracle to happen. But now we all are struggling to keep the light of hope alive within us. But we are very much hopeful about the trial of ICJ, feels like better things will going to happen.” (Camp-8W)

Digital Platform or social media is helping to develop perspective among Rohingya refugee and it is also patronizing Rohingya activists who are strongly and constantly advocating for the rights and identity of Rohingya people.

7. The Contribution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Adaptation of New Environment:

In today’s world, everyone has the idea of AI and that is influencing and reshaping every aspect of life. The algorithms of AI are designed to make decisions, frequently using real-time data, which apparently means, we let the AI to mimic human intelligence and make decisions for us[1]. By letting them hear, speak, read and write for the human being, it is also flourishing its ability of accuracy to provide the better prediction over time via using the tool machine learning. The social media AI has been educated to analyses numbers, views, user interests, age, regions, internet profiles, user preferences, and purchasing patterns[2]. Using algorithms, significant data set and deep learning it can make recommendations and suggestions for users which even leads up to controlling the behavior on this platform. Today these sites create echo chamber or filter bubble which limits the people’s exposures to diverse contents and derives to polarization among the acquaintances[3]. The Rohingya refuges comes to contact with the internet when the ban was uplifted by the government of Bangladesh in 2020. As people gradually settled in camp and looking for sources for the communication and entertainment, smartphone has appeared as a problem solver to them. People bought mobile phone and started to use having minimum knowledge of it. Most young refugees are having their first mobile phone experience in Bangladesh and exploring the different social media platform here. As soon as the step into the virtual world, like the rest of us they also have come under radar of AI, where their behavioral pattern is developing and reshaping via algorithms, machine learning and automation. Since, AI can create filter bubble and decide for its viewers what to consume and what not, it is also giving the Rohingya refugee same experience. It was reported that, current algorithms can decrease a person’s.

exposures to diverse opinion and perspective, which eventually leads people to forget their own point of view, way of life and system of values[1].

Moreover, to discuss how AI is helping the Rohingya community to adapt in new environment, the study come out with three different factors; 1. Registering with the host community’s location 2. Demographic information of a user 3. Online behavior.

7.1 Registering with the host community’s location:

Most of the Rohingya smartphone users have their first experience of the internet world in Bangladesh. Initially they used to go to local computer shop to open any social media account, where the locals would help them but now they could easily open various accounts in such platform. In both cases, whether the account was opened by any local shop owner or by the refugees themselves, without giving any thoughts or merely to conceal their own identity, they register those social media site with the address of Bangladesh, which has remarkable influence on what content is going to showed on the news feed of such users. Social media platforms frequently use location data to personalize content recommendations and advertisements for users based on their location, language preferences, and interests. Because the social network tracks the location of users’ devices, it may suggest you friend someone with whom you’ve shared a GPS data point[2]. This means that Facebook may recommend a “friend” to you based on where you’ve gone and when, regardless of whether you’ve met them. Hence, if two strangers share a common hobby, have recently visited the same place, and reside in the same area, they will both have each other in the “people you may know” portion of their respective social media handle.

“We had very random Bangladeshi friend in our facebook suggestion, we add them and after communicating with them for a while they become very good friend of us.” (FGD)

7.2 Demographic information of a user:

When a user creates or use the social media platform, they always leave their digital footprint in internet. As soon as a user agrees with the terms and conditions of this app, he/she directly allows the app to collect personal data. Demographic information, like age, gender, language, marital status, language preference, profile information, religious belief and shared content, can measures how users would perceive certain content, information and massages[3]. This demographic helps the social media to create targeted advertisement and local news. So, if a refugee discloses his or

her religious belief in social media, he may see different religious events near him in his suggestion also video clip related to the subject.

“I like to listen to the preach of different Imam on the internet, but Mizanur Rahman Azhari and Zakir Nayek are my most fovourite preachers that I often listen to” (volunteer 1)

Besides this demographic and personal interest also provide personalize data recommendations. For instance; refugee who identifies himself as young adult in social media may often see the content related to his age group.

“During last world cup, there was few intra zila football tournament arranged by the local people, we used to know about this event in Facebook group and if it would possible than we try to go and enjoy the match.” (FGD)

7.3 Online Behavior:

The social media account also take into consideration that how long a user stayed log in, which content was shared, liked or commented more, or which features being used more, so that the AI could provide more content related to the similar subject[1]. For example, if a Rohingya refugee engages regularly with posts or accounts relevant to a specific topic or group, the platform’s algorithm may recommend adding friends who are also interested in that issue or belong to that community. Furthermore, the algorithm may recommend adding friends who have mutual connections, such as friends of friends or people in the same groups. So, when a Rohingya refugee decide to add friend from Bangladesh or like, comment and share any Bangladeshi content, he is more likely to get similar type of content and friends from Bangladesh.

8. Recommendations and Concluding Remarks:

As the Rohingya community is not officially recognised as refugees by the Bangladeshi government, they are denied access to smartphones and the internet, among other fundamental liberties. Despite this, people have discovered ways to acquire and utilise mobile phones, which have become a necessity. However, this comes with significant hazards for the community, as Rohingyas’ cell phones are frequently confiscated by the government. In addition, many Rohingyas lack digital literacy and are oblivious of the dangers posed by social media platforms, making them susceptible to crimes such as harassment, scams, and blackmail. The situation worsens when a woman experience cyberbullying and harassment online, which can have direct consequences for her family. Due to underwhelming digital learning, criminal activities such as cyber harassment, blackmail, drug peddling, and the dissemination of deceptive information have become significant concerns. Moreover, as the internet reshapes the thoughts and perspectives of Rohingya refugees

regarding the host country, for a better and more secure life, there is a growing tendency for them to assimilate with the host community, contributing to ad hoc local integration. If that would be the case then, the number of stateless persons will grow via inter-marriage of both host and refugee community, refugees will involve in countless crime to obtain illegal NID Card, which will eventually affect the tranquility of the society.

To take everything under consideration, the study would focus some of the suggestion that could prevent the ad-hoc local integration and regulate the refugee over internet site.

1. Formalizing Internet for Rohingya Community:

The Rohingya community is using the internet despite the government of Bangladesh’s stringent restrictions, which to some extent is increasing their vulnerability and raising different concerns for their safety and security. The dimension could be changed with formalizing internet for Rohingya community. Refugee camps could be connected with low-powered internet or unique cloud technology, so that they could easily share information and application without having any restriction.

In addition, humanitarian organizations could establish formal cyber shops in various camp locations where both men and women could use the internet to enhance their skills and acquire new information about their health. This cyber store would also provide digital literacy training to educate users on online safety, online usage, and how to safeguard oneself from any type of online occurrence.

2. Lessening the “Digital Divide” ensuring refugee friendly cyber space:

While Social media usage offers potential benefits, it also has the potential for harm, such as untrustworthy information, loss of secrecy, and privacy violations. One significant limitation of the internet is its inability to provide a user-centric approach, meaning that it functions uniformly regardless of individual users. The experience and knowledge of an individual greatly influence their approach to interacting with internet interfaces. This discrepancy becomes particularly evident when comparing the actions of proficient users who possess a deep understanding of online platforms, with those who are new to the internet and engage with it primarily for exploratory purposes. Social media platforms lack specific guidelines and fail to adequately address the needs and sensitivities of refugee users. Refugees fleeing persecution may experience a variety of emotional and physical health issues, which are exacerbated by low health literacy, education, and socioeconomic condition. In this manner, individuals are rendered vulnerable to the dissemination of false information and engaging in illicit activities through the utilisation of this particular platform. Such social platform usage further victimized a refugee. Social networking sites can use the potential to incorporate specific features aimed at assisting refugees, such as the provision of comprehensive manuals and instructions on how to effectively utilise these platforms.

3. Legal Access to SIM Card:

Since different Humanitarian Organization and Government Body provide multiple aid and services using unique identification process, Rohingya refugee could be provided with least temporary but legal access to SIM card following the same process. Apart from that, there would be a formal restriction preventing locals from illegally selling SIM cards. The whole process would also help to track down the Rohingya people who have any criminal tendency or committed crimes.

4. Wi-Fi Support:

With broad Wi-Fi coverage throughout the camps, this option includes the inclusion of an open/minimally secured SSID that only provides access to specific content stored locally at the data center, and not the Internet as a whole. Refugees could use this network to gain access to targeted and customized content hosted on local servers and directed via SSID sign-in pages. Creating and publishing visual and audio content which will convey massages about the Rohingya History, Struggle from decades and also unique culture could be a breakthrough in this regard. Content character like Gura Mia, Leda Mia, Shona Mia become popular among the community as they talk about their culture and Rohingya can relate to the content. This has been accomplished in other refugee/migrant situations, including IRC/Mercy Corps’ Signpost and Refugee.info initiatives in Greece, Jordan, and Colombia, utilizing the networks that NetHope facilitated in those locations[1]. In addition to creating an exceptional cyber space, more content on Rohingya dialect should be created so that the young generation could know about their predecessors.

5. Intervention from Digital Rights Communities:

Despite the fact that different INGOs and NGOs are working on various interventions, the issue of a formalized Internet facility is never addressed. Since the number of informal internet user is growing without having minimum knowledge about this platform, it is high time an evaluation framework should be developed by the assistance and digital rights groups in order to better determine the information and communication needs of the Rohingya population that has been displaced and generate dialogue about safe internet use for the Rohingya community.