Staff Reporter:
The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations has reversed its decision to reduce food aid for Rohingyas residing in Bangladesh’s refugee camps, following concerns over the impact of the cut.
In the latest development, the residents of various camps along the coast of Cox’s Bazar will now receive a monthly food allocation of $12 per person, down from the previous $12.50.
Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) Mohammed Mizanur Rahman said, “The WFP has informed us of this decision in a letter, which will come into effect from 1 April.”
Rohingyas living in Bhasan Char would receive $13 per person, one dollar more than those in Cox’s Bazar, he added.
This change comes after the WFP had previously communicated its plans to reduce food aid for Rohingyas in Bangladesh.
On 5 March, the Refugee Commission of Bangladesh received a letter from the WFP saying that due to a funding crisis, it would cut the monthly food allocation for Rohingyas from $12.50 to $6 per person starting in April.
The letter raised concerns about the adequacy of food provisions for the refugees.
On 14 March, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres visited the Rohingya camps in Bangladesh.
During his visit, he was presented with details of what the Rohingyas would be receiving in terms of food for $6, which raised alarm over the insufficient amount.
