The United Nations World Food Program (WFP), the Government of Bangladesh, and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea held a handover ceremony at WFP’s Sagorika Warehouse in Chattogram to commemorate the Republic of Korea’s new donation of 15,000 metric tons of rice in support of food aid for Rohingya refugees.
WFP’s food assistance program for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar will be supported by the rice, which is supplied by the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA). It comes after Korea’s prior Rohingya response commitments of 15,000 metric tons in 2024 and 20,265 metric tons in 2025.
Additionally, 150 metric tons of rice kernels that have been enriched with vital vitamins and minerals are part of this year’s offering. They will enhance the nutritious value of food aid given to Rohingya households, especially children and other vulnerable groups, if combined with the donated rice. After being blended, the rice will be shipped to Cox’s Bazar and given out via the WFP’s General Food Assistance program.
We would like to sincerely thank the government and people of the Republic of Korea for this important gift on behalf of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. What lasting friendship, collaboration, and partnership can accomplish is demonstrated by today’s contribution. According to ATM Shafiqul Haidar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, “it reflects our shared commitment to addressing humanitarian challenges and supporting those in need with compassion and resolve.”
“We are pleased to continue Korea’s support for Rohingya refugees through this contribution of rice and fortified rice kernels. By adding essential micronutrients to food assistance, we hope to support not only food security but also improved nutrition outcomes for vulnerable families,” said H.E. Kim Ji-joon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh. “Korea remains committed to working with the Government of Bangladesh and WFP to support the Rohingya community during this difficult time.”
“The contribution comes at a critical time for the Rohingya response, as humanitarian needs continue to outpace available resources” said Coco Ushiyama, WFP Representative and Country Director in Bangladesh. “It will help ensure that families continue to receive essential food assistance, while the fortified rice kernels will strengthen the nutritional quality of assistance provided to vulnerable refugees. We are grateful to the Republic of Korea for its continued support and solidarity with Rohingya families who remain heavily dependent on humanitarian assistance.”
With little prospects for a safe, voluntary, and dignified return to Myanmar, almost 1.2 million Rohingya refugees continue to rely on humanitarian aid. Maintaining food security and nutrition outcomes for one of the biggest and longest-lasting refugee populations in the world requires ongoing donor support.
Since Korea first benefited from WFP aid more than 60 years ago, the Republic of Korea and WFP have collaborated. Korea is now a significant supplier of in-kind food aid to WFP activities across the globe. In order to support WFP activities in 17 countries, including Bangladesh, MAFRA sent 150,000 metric tons of rice in 2025.
As the Rohingya crisis approaches its tenth year, ongoing international assistance is essential to sustaining food and nutrition aid for refugees as well as supporting the Bangladeshi government and host communities, who have been in charge of housing the Rohingya population for almost ten years.
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