BRAC and the European Union (EU) have signed a significant cooperation agreement to enhance integrated humanitarian support in Cox’s Bazar. The signing ceremony took place on Monday at the BRAC Centre in Mohakhali, Dhaka, marking the project’s launch titled “Humanitarian-Development Coexistence Nexus to Address Rohingya Crisis in Cox’s Bazar.”
According to a press release issued by BRAC, the agreement was signed by Michael Miller, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, and Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, on behalf of their respective organisations.
The project focuses on cost-effectiveness, accountability to affected populations, peaceful coexistence, and the empowerment of local communities. It aims to benefit over 125,000 Rohingya refugees and approximately 2,500 host community members. Special attention will be given to women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Despite the passage of seven years since the mass displacement of Rohingya in 2017, both the refugee and host communities in Cox’s Bazar continue to face a protracted humanitarian crisis. Dwindling aid, growing social pressures, and service delivery challenges have significantly strained the region’s limited local resources.
BRAC stated that the project adopts a mid-term integrated solution combining humanitarian and development approaches to address these pressing issues. It aims to increase public participation and build the capacity of local communities, fostering empowerment, peaceful coexistence, and cost-efficient service delivery.
With an investment of €4.4 million (approximately Tk62 crore), this 24-month project is expected to make a meaningful impact in the region. The insights and experiences gained from this initiative will also contribute to developing global models for addressing protracted humanitarian crises.
The initiative reaffirms BRAC’s and the European Union’s shared commitment to ensuring a sustainable, effective, and integrated humanitarian response to one of the world’s most enduring humanitarian emergencies.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report/Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Courtesy
