by Hafizur Rahman
Dhaka, Bangladesh | May 5, 2026
Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has called for increased international support for Rohingya refugees, warning that declining global funding is placing additional strain on humanitarian operations.
He made the remarks during a meeting in Dhaka with Ivo Freijsen of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
According to the minister, reduced international assistance is making it increasingly difficult to sustain services for Rohingya refugees living in camps in Cox’s Bazar. He said Bangladesh has continued to host a large refugee population on humanitarian grounds but faces growing pressure due to resource constraints.
He also stated that funding from the United States has recently been reduced by about 50 percent, though no further details were provided.
Discussions during the meeting focused on funding shortages, conditions in the camps, and the issue of repatriation to Myanmar.
The UNHCR representative noted that refugees continue to face significant challenges, including overcrowded living conditions and limited access to essential services.
In response, the minister said expanding camp infrastructure remains difficult due to land and resource limitations. He reiterated that the long-term solution lies in the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.
He also warned that the Rohingya crisis risks being sidelined amid other global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The UNHCR official invited the minister to attend an upcoming Joint Response Plan event scheduled for May 20, where future funding and response strategies are expected to be discussed.
