UK boosts support for WFP food aid for rohingya refugees in Bangladesh

The United Kingdom Government has announced new support for the World Food Programme's life-saving food assistance operations for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

The latest UK contribution of £1.1 million (US$1.4 million), received in December 2025, follows an earlier allocation of £8.7 million (US$11.6 million) provided by the UK in 2025 for the Rohingya response.

James Goldman, British Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh and Development Director at the British High Commission, said, "The UK is proud to continue supporting WFP's critical work for Rohingya refugees. This support helps families access nutritious food and essential services. Together, we will continue to meet urgent needs and help lay the foundations for a more hopeful future. This assistance will also directly benefit Bangladesh's economy through local procurement."

Through its e-voucher system, WFP is currently providing life-saving food assistance to nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees. Families receive monthly vouchers equivalent to US$12 per person, enabling them to purchase essential and fresh food items.

In addition, WFP supports the prevention and treatment of malnutrition among children under five years of age, and pregnant and lactating women. The agency also operates school feeding programmes for 260,000 Rohingya children aged between three and 14 years, alongside livelihoods support initiatives for both Rohingya refugees and members of host communities to strengthen resilience and self-reliance.

Simone Parchment, WFP Bangladesh Country Director (ad interim), said, "We are deeply grateful to the UK for standing firmly with the Rohingya people and supporting WFP to meet their basic needs. At a time when needs are rising and humanitarian funding is declining, this solidarity from the UK and the international community is a lifeline for vulnerable populations like the Rohingya."

Entering its ninth year, the Rohingya crisis is facing acute challenges, particularly due to significant funding shortfalls. In 2026, WFP faces a funding gap of US$147 million for its life-saving food and nutrition assistance programmes. Without additional funding, disruptions to assistance could begin as early as April.