South Korea has provided Bangladesh with 15,000 metric tonnes of rice and 150 metric tonnes of fortified rice kernels to support Rohingya refugees.
The rice was handed over at a ceremony on Thursday at the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Sagarika warehouse in Chittogong.
The assistance, provided through the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), will support the WFP’s food assistance programme for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar.
It follows Korea’s previous contributions of 15,000 metric tonnes in 2024 and 20,265 metric tonnes in 2025 to the Rohingya response.
This year’s contribution also includes 150 metric tonnes of fortified rice kernels containing essential vitamins and minerals. The kernels will be blended with the donated rice to enhance its nutritional value, particularly for children and other vulnerable groups. The blended rice will then be transported to Cox’s Bazar and distributed through WFP’s general food assistance programme.
“On behalf of Bangladesh, we sincerely appreciate the Korean government and people for this valuable contribution,” said ABM Shafiqul Haidar, additional secretary at the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. “It reflects our enduring friendship and shared commitment to addressing humanitarian challenges and supporting those in need.”
“We are pleased to continue Korea’s support for Rohingya refugees through this contribution of rice and fortified rice kernels. By adding essential micronutrients to food assistance, we hope to support not only food security but also better nutrition outcomes for vulnerable families,” said Kim Ji-joon, ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh.
“Korea remains committed to working with the Government of Bangladesh and WFP to support the Rohingya community during this difficult time,” he added.
Coco Ushiyama, WFP representative and country director in Bangladesh, said the contribution came at a critical time as humanitarian needs continue to outpace available resources.
She said the assistance would help ensure that Rohingya families continue receiving essential food support, while the fortified rice kernels would improve the nutritional quality of assistance for vulnerable refugees.
“We are grateful to the Republic of Korea for its continued support and solidarity with Rohingya families who remain heavily dependent on humanitarian assistance.” She added.
Nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees remain dependent on humanitarian assistance, with limited livelihood opportunities and no immediate prospect of a safe, voluntary and dignified return to Myanmar. Sustained donor support remains essential to maintaining food security and nutrition for one of the world’s largest and most protracted refugee populations.
The Republic of Korea and WFP have worked together for more than six decades, beginning when Korea itself benefited from WFP assistance. Today, Korea is a major provider of in-kind food assistance to WFP operations worldwide. In 2025, MAFRA provided 150,000 metric tonnes of rice to support WFP operations in 17 countries, including Bangladesh.
As the Rohingya crisis enters its 10th year, continued international support remains crucial to sustaining food and nutrition assistance for refugees and supporting the Government of Bangladesh and host communities, which have shouldered responsibility for hosting the Rohingya population for nearly a decade.