Rohingya refugees residing in the camps of Ukhiya and Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, have expressed deep concern over the reduction in their food assistance. They fear that limited access to nutritious food will not only worsen malnutrition but also lead to a surge in crimes within and around the camps, potentially escalating tensions with the local community.
A recent report by Reuters revealed that the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has decided to cut food aid for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh by half. Under the new plan, each refugee will receive only $6 per month in food rations.
Rohingya refugees currently receive $12.50 per person per month, but funding shortages will slash this amount to $6 starting next month.
Bangladeshi refugee commission officials have warned that this decision will deepen the food crisis and exacerbate malnutrition in the camps.
“This drastic cut in food assistance will have severe consequences in the Rohingya camps. Deprived of their basic needs, many might resort to crime,” said Shamsuddoza Nayan, Additional Commissioner of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission. He also expressed concerns over deteriorating law and order in the Rohingya-populated areas.
Mohammad Zubair, Chairman of the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights (ARSPHR), said, “I am speechless. Reducing food aid from $12.50 to $6 will make survival nearly impossible. Even the current amount is insufficient for a nutritious life.”
He further warned that this reduction could push Rohingya refugees into crimes such as theft, robbery, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities.
“We do not want to live on aid forever. We want to return to our homeland and sustain ourselves,” Zubair added.
Mujibur Rahman, a young Rohingya leader in the camps, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Rohingya have no other source of income. Their survival depends entirely on food aid. Receiving such devastating news during Ramadan is disheartening.”
SM Suja, Rohingya Affairs Secretary of the National Citizens’ Committee, said, “When food assistance is cut, refugees will leave the camps in search of livelihood, putting immense pressure on local employment opportunities.”
“This could lead to clashes between Rohingya and the host communities. It is a looming humanitarian crisis. The international community must step in to ensure the basic human rights of the Rohingya, or Bangladesh will face an even greater challenge,” Suja warned.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
File Photo
