A recent influx of 150,000 new arrivals has placed further strain on overstretched humanitarian operations and limited resources, said the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on Friday.
Now in its eighth year, the Rohingya crisis has seen the refugee population in Bangladesh surpass one million, according to the UN agency.
To maintain full food rations for the Rohingya population over the next 12 months, WFP requires an additional $120 million.
Without new funding, this vital assistance will run out by the end of October 2025, the WFP said, welcoming a contribution from the government of the People’s Republic of China, provided through the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA).
The occasion was marked by a handover ceremony held at the WFP Bangladesh Country Office in Dhaka.
The contribution will enable WFP to procure 2,100 tons of fortified rice, pulses, and cooking oil — enough to provide a three-month food ration to around 45,000 Rohingya refugees living in the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar.
“This generous funding from China could not have come at a more critical time,” said Dom Scalpelli, WFP country director, on Friday.
With humanitarian needs rising and resources under immense pressure, he said this contribution allows them to continue delivering lifesaving food assistance to some of the most vulnerable people in the world.
“This will undoubtedly play a positive role in improving the living conditions of the Rohingya people in Bangladesh and alleviating the humanitarian crisis,” said Dr Liu Yuyin, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China.
“We hope this contribution marks not only continued engagement but also a deepening of China’s role in responding to this ongoing crisis,” said Scalpelli.
