Saudi-funded food aid reaches Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh

Photo: Collected

Arakan Now | 21 March 2026

Bangladesh officials have welcomed a food assistance programme funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar.

Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammad Mizanur Rahman said the initiative would strengthen ties between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, noting that Rohingya refugees have been living in the country for nearly nine years.

The programme was launched at Kutupalong-Unchiprang Camp in Cox’s Bazar and is being implemented by ISDE Bangladesh under a project providing emergency food assistance.

Under the initiative, food support will be distributed to 60,000 families, including 42,000 Rohingya refugee families and 18,000 from host communities.

Officials said the assistance is aimed at improving food security, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, when many vulnerable families struggle to meet basic needs.

Each family will receive essential items including rice, lentils, cooking oil, sugar and salt.

Rahman also stressed the need for safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees through international cooperation.

Aid workers said the programme prioritises vulnerable groups such as elderly people, children, widows and persons with disabilities.