by Hafizur Rahman
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh | July 24, 2026
Japan has reaffirmed its support for Rohingya refugees and the host communities in Cox’s Bazar during a two-day visit by Takahashi Naoki, Minister at the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, on July 19–20.
On July 19, Takahashi attended the inauguration of an upgraded Primary Healthcare Centre at Rohingya Camp 24 in Teknaf. The project includes expanded medical facilities and new equipment aimed at improving access to healthcare services.
The health centre is expected to serve around 40,000 people, including approximately 17,000 patients each year. Takahashi praised the work of the organization implementing the project and expressed hope that the facility would continue to benefit both Rohingya refugees and nearby host communities for years to come.
During his visit, Takahashi also expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the recent heavy monsoon rains in Cox’s Bazar. He said Japan remains committed to helping vulnerable communities strengthen their resilience and improve disaster preparedness.
On July 20, he visited several humanitarian facilities in the refugee camps, including a UNHCR registration centre, a World Food Programme (WFP) food distribution centre, a UN Women-supported marketplace, an IOM shelter site, a Japan-supported primary healthcare centre, and a Save the Children learning centre.
Since the large-scale arrival of Rohingya refugees in 2017, Japan has provided more than US$242 million in humanitarian assistance. The support has included food assistance, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, shelter, protection services, and programmes for women and girls.
Japan said it will continue working with Bangladesh and the international community to support Rohingya refugees and pursue a lasting solution to the humanitarian crisis while Bangladesh continues to host around 1.2 million Rohingya refugees.
