Bangladesh warns Rohingya crisis deepening amid declining Global Aid

Bangladesh has warned that the Rohingya refugee crisis is entering a more critical phase as declining international funding places increasing strain on humanitarian operations supporting more than one million displaced Rohingya refugees.

During a meeting with a senior representative from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed expressed concern that reduced global assistance is making it increasingly difficult to maintain essential services inside the refugee camps.

Bangladesh has hosted Rohingya refugees since the mass displacement from neighboring Myanmar following military operations widely described internationally as acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing. Most refugees are currently living in overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar, which remains the center of one of the world’s largest refugee settlements.

Officials say the prolonged displacement crisis, now approaching its ninth year, is placing severe pressure on Bangladesh’s economic, environmental, and administrative capacities.

According to Bangladeshi officials, recent reductions in international humanitarian assistance have significantly affected refugee operations. The minister noted that funding support from the United States has reportedly declined by nearly 50 percent, reflecting broader reductions in global donor attention as international focus shifts toward other conflicts and humanitarian emergencies.

The discussions also focused on deteriorating conditions inside the camps, where overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, limited healthcare access, and security concerns continue to affect daily life for refugees. Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that funding shortages could disrupt food assistance, education programs, healthcare services, and protection mechanisms for vulnerable communities.

Ahmed stated that Bangladesh’s ability to expand or improve camp facilities remains constrained due to land shortages and limited national resources, emphasizing the urgent need for sustained international engagement and financial support.

He further warned that the Rohingya crisis is increasingly being overshadowed by global conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as ongoing instability across the Middle East, reducing both humanitarian funding and diplomatic momentum for resolving the crisis.

Bangladesh has consistently maintained that the only sustainable solution is the safe, voluntary, dignified, and permanent repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. However, repeated repatriation initiatives have stalled amid continuing insecurity in Rakhine State and the absence of guarantees for refugee safety and citizenship rights from Myanmar authorities.

The UNHCR representative also expressed concern over worsening humanitarian conditions and invited Bangladesh to participate in the upcoming Joint Response Plan meeting scheduled for May 20, where donor commitments and future humanitarian strategies are expected to be discussed.