by Hafizur Rahman
Qatar Charity and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees have signed a new agreement aimed at strengthening support for Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh, according to the two organizations.
The agreement, described as a Letter of Understanding, seeks to improve coordination between Qatar Charity and UNHCR in areas including shelter and settlement, humanitarian relief items, and essential services for the most vulnerable refugees.
Agreement signed amid funding concerns
The agreement was signed by Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh, and Zakarya Al Motair, Country Director of Qatar Charity in Bangladesh.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Freijsen said humanitarian operations in 2026 are expected to face serious funding shortages. He stressed that stronger partnerships are critical to ensure life saving assistance continues.
“Funding will be extremely difficult in 2026,” he said. “Working closely with partners like Qatar Charity will help us focus on life saving support and ensure assistance reaches those who need it most.”
Commitment to vulnerable refugees
Al Motair said Qatar Charity remains committed to supporting Rohingya refugees and believes the agreement will help both organizations operate more effectively.
“This partnership allows us to better support the most vulnerable refugees,” he said. “Rohingya families continue to live in extremely difficult conditions in one of the world’s largest refugee settlements.”
He added that cooperation between humanitarian organizations is essential to address the long standing Rohingya crisis.
Long standing presence in Rohingya response
Qatar Charity has been supporting Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar since 2017. In 2021, the organization expanded its activities to Bhasan Char.
Its programs include shelter support, emergency relief, access to clean water and sanitation, school feeding, and healthcare services. According to the organization, these initiatives are designed to address immediate humanitarian needs while also supporting longer term well being and dignity.
In 2025, Qatar Charity said its programs in Bangladesh reached more than 467,000 Rohingya refugees, contributing to improved safety, health, and protection during a prolonged humanitarian crisis.
As funding pressures increase, humanitarian actors say continued collaboration will be critical to sustaining essential services for Rohingya refugees in the months ahead.
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