Bangladesh warns Rohingya crisis worsening as global funding drops
Dhaka says declining international aid is straining refugee support systems, urging renewed global focus as repatriation remains stalled
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh has warned that the Rohingya refugee crisis is entering a more precarious phase as international funding declines, increasing pressure on one of the world’s largest humanitarian operations.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed raised concerns during a meeting with a senior representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, stressing that reduced global assistance is making it harder to sustain basic services for more than one million Rohingya refugees hosted in the country.
Bangladesh has been sheltering Rohingya refugees—most of whom fled genocide in neighboring Myanmar — primarily in camps in Cox’s Bazar, a southeastern coastal district that has become the epicenter of the crisis. Officials say the prolonged displacement, now stretching into its ninth year, is testing the country’s financial and administrative capacity.
According to the minister, recent cuts in international aid have significantly strained operations, with funding from the United States reportedly reduced by about 50%. While no detailed breakdown was provided, the reduction reflects a broader trend of declining global attention as donor priorities shift toward other conflicts.
Discussions between Bangladeshi officials and UNHCR focused on worsening conditions inside the camps, where overcrowding, limited healthcare access, and inadequate infrastructure continue to affect daily life. Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that funding shortfalls risk disrupting food distribution, education programs, and essential health services.
Ahmed said Bangladesh’s ability to expand or upgrade camp facilities remains severely constrained by land shortages and limited resources, underscoring the need for sustained international engagement.
He also cautioned that the Rohingya crisis is increasingly being overshadowed by other global emergencies, including the war in Ukraine, Gaza and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, reducing both funding flows and diplomatic momentum.
Bangladesh has consistently maintained that the long-term solution lies in the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, although repatriation efforts have repeatedly stalled due to security concerns and lack of guarantees from Myanmar authorities.
The UNHCR representative echoed concerns over deteriorating conditions and invited Bangladesh to participate in an upcoming Joint Response Plan meeting on May 20, where donor commitments and future strategies are expected to be discussed.
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