Paper short abstract:

This qualitative paper explores to what extent various development 'experts' can play a meaningful role in resolving the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh. Our evidence suggests a nonchalant non-responsive practice limits the role of 'experts' towards finding a dignified solution to the crisis.

Paper long abstract:

The Rohingya crisis represents one of the major humanitarian concerns of the current time. Bangladesh host almost 90 per cent of the Rohingyas who fled Myanmar to save their lives (UNHCR, 2019; OCHA 2020). Nearly one million Rohingyas live in the congested camps in Cox's Bazar, making it the largest displacement camp in a non-conflicting situation. A great number of international and national NGOs, along with the UN agencies, are providing much-needed basic services to this vulnerable group. The enormity and complex nature of the crisis have also created spaces for researchers, academics, and activists to get involved in the quest for a dignified and sustainable solution and/or secure justice for the crimes against the Rohingyas. Based on 25 qualitative interviews development professionals working on Rohingya issues, this paper explores to what extent the 'experts' (including the academics, researchers, activists, etc.) can play a meaningful role in resolving this crisis. Our evidence suggests a nonchalant non-responsive practice limits the role of 'experts' towards finding a dignified solution to the crisis. Moreover, the space for national development experts (NDEs) is further confined than that of the international experts. Our findings reveal an existing inequality in current humanitarian development practice and recommend an inclusive approach for involving national experts and local actors emphasizing the locally derived expertise and agency to find a durable yet dignified solution to the Rohingya crisis.