By Sabrina Khan (Dhaka Bureau)
Amid growing global political instability and emerging humanitarian crises worldwide, deep concerns have arisen over the future of Rohingya refugees and their local host communities in Bangladesh. Against this backdrop, the United Nations and its partner organizations have launched a Joint Response Plan (JRP), appealing for $710.5 million (71.05 crore USD) for the year 2026 to maintain life-saving essential services.
The updated plan was officially presented on Wednesday (May 20) at the UN office in Dhaka, in the presence of senior Bangladesh government officials and representatives of international donors.
Shrinking Resources and Growing Pressure
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stated that due to global crises, this year’s budget has been reduced by 26% compared to 2025. This is highly prioritized and strictly targeted, aimed at meeting only the minimum and basic survival needs of the refugees.
Currently, the number of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh stands at approximately 1.2 million. Compounding the crisis, nearly 150,000 new Rohingya have entered Bangladesh since the beginning of 2024 due to ongoing violence in Myanmar. As a result, pressure on the overcrowded camps and limited humanitarian resources has intensified significantly.
Sector-wise Budget Allocation
The proposed $710.5 million fund will be utilized across eight major sectors to assist a total of 1.56 million people, including Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, as well as the local residents in Teknaf. The allocations for key sectors include:
* Food Security: $247.3 million
* Shelter and Housing: $128 million
* Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): $61.2 million
* Education: $52.7 million
* Healthcare: $49.9 million
* Livelihood and Skill Development: $35.1 million
Support for Host Communities: To assist local Bangladeshi communities in Teknaf and surrounding areas affected by the refugee crisis, $36.2 millionvhas been integrated across all sectors.
High-Level International Mission and Solidarity
This humanitarian appeal follows a four-day joint high-level international donor mission. Led by UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner Kelly T. Clements, WFP Assistant Executive Director Rania Dagash-Kamara, and UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, the delegation visited the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. Key donor partners- including Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom- joined the mission.
The Government of Bangladesh was represented at the event by Acting Foreign Secretary M. Farhadul Islam, alongside UN Interim Resident Coordinator Carol Flore. A total of 98 humanitarian partners, including 52 Bangladeshi organizations, backed the appeal.
Insights from Humanitarian Leaders: Self-Reliance and Dignity
* Kelly T. Clements (UNHCR):
‘At a time when resources are continuously shrinking, operational efficiency alone cannot meet these immense needs. It is our responsibility to maintain the dignity of the Rohingya until they can safely return to their homeland. One of our key goals now must be to enhance the skills and resilience of refugees to help them become more self-reliant.’
* Rania Dagash-Kamara (WFP):
‘The extraordinary generosity shown by Bangladesh is unparalleled on the global stage. This assistance from donor countries serves as a lifeline for the refugees. However, humanitarian aid is not the ultimate solution; the primary goal remains creating an environment conducive to safe and voluntary repatriation in Myanmar.’
* Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda (UN Women):
‘The negative impact of funding cuts is already being felt in the daily lives of those in the camps, particularly women and children. In the broader crisis of displacement, women and girls face the highest risks and barriers, requiring sustained, long-term international attention.’
Long-Term Solution: Sustainable Repatriation
From 2017 through the end of 2025, the international community has provided approximately $5.42 billion in humanitarian aid for this crisis, with the United States remaining the top donor country.
However, humanitarian leaders and the Government of Bangladesh reiterated that the only permanent solution to this crisis lies in the voluntary, safe, and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya to their home country, Myanmar. Until conditions in Myanmar become favorable, maintaining international solidarity and financial support is not only crucial for geopolitical and regional stability but also a profound test of the global commitment to human rights.
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The Writer:
Sabrina Khan: Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
