by Hafizur Rahman
October 15, 2025:
Bangladesh and the World Food Programme (WFP) have agreed to strengthen cooperation to secure more international funding for Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar district.
High-Level Meeting in Rome
During a high-level meeting in Rome, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and WFP Acting Executive Director Carl Skau discussed the urgent need for greater financial support to sustain food assistance and essential services for about 1.3 million Rohingya refugees.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the refugees, with the WFP pledging to continue its food assistance programme, including a 12-dollar monthly food allowance for each person. Recent donations from countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom have helped maintain basic supplies, though officials warned that funding remains fragile.
Funding Shortages and Global Pressure
The WFP has struggled with major funding shortages over the past year, forcing it to reduce rations for refugees. Officials at the meeting said they are seeking new partnerships and increased support from wealthier nations and international organisations to prevent further cuts.
Global Humanitarian Strain
The discussions also highlighted the wider global humanitarian crisis, including the worsening food insecurity in Gaza and Sudan. Skau said nearly 300 million people worldwide are facing hunger, putting extraordinary pressure on global aid systems.
Call for Stronger Cooperation
Both Bangladesh and the WFP agreed that stronger international collaboration is crucial to ensure consistent aid delivery and to prevent worsening hardship for the Rohingya community. They emphasised that the world must not allow donor fatigue to undermine one of the largest and most protracted refugee responses in modern history.
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