Japan and IOM Sign $3.5 Million Deal to Aid Rohingyas and Host Communities in Bangladesh

Arakan Now, 27 April 2025

The government of Japan has given $3.5 million to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to help improve the living conditions of Rohingya refugees and local communities in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, The Business Standard reported.

An agreement was signed on April 27 by Saida Shinichi, Japan’s ambassador to Bangladesh, and Lance Bonneau, IOM’s chief of mission in Bangladesh.

The project will help around 500,000 Rohingya refugees and local people in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. It will focus on improving site management, providing shelter, distributing LPG, and supporting water, sanitation, hygiene, and livelihoods. The project will also include disaster risk reduction and protection services for the host communities in Cox’s Bazar.

Ambassador Saida said Japan hopes this support will improve the living conditions for both Rohingya refugees and local communities.