UK provides £1.1m to support Rohingya food assistance in Bangladesh

The United Kingdom has provided £1.1 million to support the United Nations World Food Programme's (WFP) food assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

The contribution, received in December 2025, follows earlier allocations of £8.7 million from the United Kingdom in 2025 for the World Food Programme's Rohingya response, according to a press release.

James Goldman, British deputy high commissioner to Bangladesh and development director at the British High Commission in Dhaka, said the UK would continue supporting food and essential services for Rohingya families.

"The UK is proud to continue supporting WFP's vital work for Rohingya refugees, ensuring families have access to nutritious food and essential services," he said.

He added that the support would also benefit Bangladesh's economy through local sourcing from suppliers within host communities.

Through an e-voucher system, WFP provides food assistance to nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

Under the programme, families receive an entitlement of $12 per person per month to purchase staple and fresh food items.

In addition to food assistance, WFP provides nutrition support for children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women, school feeding for around 260,000 Rohingya children aged between three and 14, and livelihood support to strengthen resilience among Rohingya refugees and members of host communities.

Simone Parchment, WFP Bangladesh country director, ad interim, expressed gratitude to the UK for its continued support.

"At a time when needs are rising and humanitarian funding is declining, the solidarity of the UK and the international community is what vulnerable communities like the Rohingya rely on to survive," she said.

Now in its ninth year, the Rohingya crisis is facing growing challenges, including a sharp decline in funding. In 2026, WFP is facing a funding shortfall of $147 million for its food and nutrition programmes.

Without additional contributions, WFP said its lifesaving assistance could be disrupted as early as April.