by Hafizur Rahman
Dhaka | May 21, 2026
The United Nations and its humanitarian partners have appealed for $710.5 million to support Rohingya refugees living in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, as well as nearby host communities affected by the ongoing refugee crisis.
The appeal was announced during the launch of the 2026 Joint Response Plan in Dhaka on Tuesday.
According to the United Nations, around 1.2 million Rohingya refugees are currently living in Bangladesh nearly a decade after fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar.
UN officials said the humanitarian situation has become more difficult as conflict in Arakan State continues. Since early 2024, around 150,000 additional Rohingya refugees have reportedly arrived in Bangladesh, increasing pressure on humanitarian services and resources.
The 2026 Joint Response Plan aims to support nearly 1.56 million people, including both Rohingya refugees and host communities.
According to the UN, the requested funding will help provide food assistance, shelter, healthcare, education, clean water, sanitation services, and livelihood support.
Kelly T. Clements said helping refugees build skills and resilience remains important while safe return to Myanmar remains impossible.
“Until the Rohingyas can return home safely and rebuild their communities, we must continue to provide safety, care, and dignity where they are,” she said.
The United Nations also warned that Rohingya refugees remain heavily dependent on humanitarian aid because of limited livelihood opportunities and growing funding shortages.
Rania Dagash-Kamara praised Bangladesh for continuing to host Rohingya refugees and thanked international donors for supporting the humanitarian response.
UN officials further warned that women and girls in the camps continue to face increasing risks and hardships as humanitarian funding declines.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees stated that hopes for a quick return to Myanmar are fading because of ongoing violence in Arakan State. As conditions continue deteriorating, some Rohingya refugees are attempting dangerous sea journeys in search of safety and better opportunities.
According to the UN, the international community has provided more than $5 billion in humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya response in Bangladesh since 2017, with the United States remaining the largest donor.
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