The latest contribution also includes 150 tonnes of fortified rice kernels to improve the nutritional quality of food assistance for Rohingya families.
by RK Desk
Chattogram, 6 September 2026: South Korea has provided 15,000 metric tonnes of rice and 150 metric tonnes of fortified rice kernels to support food assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
The contribution was formally marked at a handover ceremony on Sunday at the World Food Programme’s Sagorika Warehouse in Chattogram, jointly organised by the Bangladesh government, the South Korean Embassy and WFP.
The rice was provided through South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and will be used in WFP’s food assistance programme for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar.
The fortified rice kernels contain essential vitamins and minerals. They will be blended with the donated rice before being transported to Cox’s Bazar for distribution.
WFP said the fortified rice would improve the nutritional quality of food assistance, particularly for children and other vulnerable refugees.
South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Kim Ji-joon said the contribution was intended to support both food security and nutrition among Rohingya families.
“Korea remains committed to working with the Government of Bangladesh and WFP to support the Rohingya community during this difficult time,” he said.
ABM Shafiqul Haidar, additional secretary at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, thanked the South Korean government and people for the contribution, describing it as a reflection of continued cooperation between the two countries.
WFP Representative and Country Director in Bangladesh Coco Ushiyama said the contribution had arrived at a critical time as humanitarian needs continue to exceed available resources.
She said the rice would help families continue receiving essential food assistance, while the fortified kernels would strengthen the nutritional quality of that support.
The latest contribution follows South Korea’s donation of 15,000 metric tonnes of rice for the Rohingya response in 2024 and 20,265 metric tonnes in 2025.
Nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh remain heavily dependent on humanitarian assistance amid limited livelihood opportunities and no immediate prospect of a safe, voluntary and dignified return to Myanmar, according to WFP.
South Korea and WFP have worked together for more than six decades. In 2025, MAFRA provided 150,000 tonnes of rice to support WFP operations in 17 countries, including Bangladesh.
