The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Bangladesh has received an additional EUR 2 million from the European Union through ECHO, bringing the EU’s total contribution in 2025 to EUR 15.3 million. This funding supports lifesaving food and nutrition assistance for Rohingya refugees and host communities, ensuring continued humanitarian support amid ongoing crises.
Davide Zappa, Head of EU Humanitarian Aid in Bangladesh, emphasized the EU’s commitment to solidarity with people in crisis, highlighting that the partnership with WFP allows for the delivery of neutral, impartial, and needs-based assistance to vulnerable populations in line with shared responsibility principles.
WFP provides essential support through its e-voucher system, enabling nearly 1.2 million Rohingya people, including 140,000 new arrivals from 2024–2025, to purchase staple and fresh foods. Additional interventions include nutrition programs for children and pregnant or breastfeeding women, school meals for 260,000 Rohingya children aged 4–14, and resilience-building activities for both refugee and host communities.
Simone Lawson Parchment, WFP Country Director a.i., expressed gratitude for the EU’s contribution, stressing that sustained support is crucial to meet growing needs while preserving the dignity of Rohingya families. As humanitarian requirements continue to outpace available resources, such funding is vital for maintaining lifesaving programs.
Now in its ninth year, the Rohingya crisis faces significant challenges, including a sharp decline in funding. In 2026, WFP is confronting a USD 147 million shortfall for food and nutrition programs, which could disrupt assistance as early as April without additional contributions.
