A funding crisis at UNICEF has resulted in the sudden dismissal of 1,200 local teachers working at learning centers in Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf, triggering protests over the weekend.
The terminated teachers—employed through local NGOs under UNICEF-supported education programs—were informed Thursday without prior notice.
Hundreds of teachers on Saturday and Sunday staged demonstrations by forming human chain at Ukhiya’s Shaheed Minar, demanding reinstatement and alleging discrimination in the dismissal process.
Currently, around 8,000 teachers are engaged in the camps—equally divided between Rohingya and Bengali instructors. Protesters claimed more than 3,000 others face possible termination in the coming weeks.
UNICEF stated that due to a significant drop in funding, it is unable to sustain operations beyond June 30. An estimated 400,000 Rohingya children and adolescents are now at risk of losing access to education entirely.
“UNICEF informed us they can no longer run the learning centers due to lack of funds,” said Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC). “Initially 1,200 teachers have been let go, and more may follow.”
The organization confirmed contracts for 1,179 volunteer teachers—mostly from the host community—will end this month.
Local officials, including Ukhiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer Kamrul Hossain Chowdhury, confirmed that NGOs are winding down education programs and said the government had been officially notified of the funding situation.
Some teachers alleged that the dismissals may be linked to a previous wage protest held five months ago. They warned that, unless reinstated within 24 hours, they may block NGO vehicles from entering the camps.
UNICEF has said all learning centers will remain closed through June and may only reopen if new funding becomes available.
