WFP Announces Major Reduction in Food Assistance for Rohingya Refugees
The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced a significant reduction in food assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh due to a lack of sufficient funds. This decision, which will take effect from April 1, 2025, will impact all refugees living in Cox’s Bazar camps and Bhasan Char.
According to WFP, the food voucher amount provided to each refugee will be reduced by more than half. In Cox’s Bazar, the current voucher amount of BDT 1,515 per person per month will be cut down to BDT 726 per person per month. Similarly, in Bhasan Char, the voucher amount will drop from BDT 1,818 per person per month to BDT 726 per person per month. This reduction applies to all Rohingya refugees, making it increasingly difficult for families to meet their basic food needs.
Despite the reduction, WFP has assured that extremely vulnerable households will continue to receive an additional fresh food voucher of BDT 363.60 per person per month. In Cox’s Bazar, vulnerable households already receiving this support will continue to do so, while in Bhasan Char, eligible households will start receiving this extra assistance from April 2025. This support will be provided to families headed by women, households with young children, older individuals, and people with disabilities.
WFP stated that it is facing severe funding shortages globally, affecting not only its operations in Bangladesh but also in other countries. The organization is working to secure more funds, and if additional resources become available, it will review this decision and consider increasing food assistance again.
The reduced ration is expected to cause significant challenges for Rohingya refugees, especially for children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, older people, and individuals with disabilities. To cope with the change, WFP has advised refugees to plan their food supply carefully, buy in smaller quantities, store food properly, and visit nutrition centers regularly for additional support.
WFP has also reminded refugees that its food assistance is always free and that no one should demand money or favors in exchange for food. Refugees are encouraged to report any such incidents immediately. Those facing issues with their food vouchers or food quality can seek help through the following channels:
WFP Hotline: 08 000 999 777 (Toll-free, available 24/7)
Help Desks at Food Outlets: Refugees can speak to WFP staff at any food distribution center.
Nutrition Centers: Available for health and nutrition support.
Feedback Centers: Run by IOM, UNHCR, and DRC, where concerns about food assistance and other humanitarian services can be reported.
The reduction in food assistance adds to the growing hardships faced by Rohingya refugees, who have been living in Bangladesh since fleeing Myanmar in 2017. With no clear solution for a safe and voluntary return, refugees are increasingly dependent on humanitarian aid for survival. Many in the community now fear that continued funding cuts could further worsen their living conditions.
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