The plight of nearly one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh is set to worsen as the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced a significant reduction in food assistance starting next month. Due to insufficient funding, the monthly food vouchers will be slashed by half, impacting the already vulnerable population living in overcrowded camps. This decision comes after years of relying heavily on international aid, which has become increasingly scarce.

Conditions in these camps have long been dire, with widespread malnutrition and limited access to basic necessities. The WFP's recent letter highlights the urgency of the situation, stating that despite efforts to save costs, the agency still lacks the necessary funds. Officials from Bangladesh’s refugee agency plan to meet community leaders soon to address the impending cuts. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations are grappling with a global funding gap, exacerbated by policy changes in major donor countries.

The announcement of reduced rations coincides with an upcoming visit by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who will meet with Rohingya refugees during the Muslim Ramadan fast. The crisis began in 2017 when hundreds of thousands fled Myanmar following a brutal military crackdown. Since then, Bangladesh has faced immense challenges supporting this displaced population. With no immediate prospects for repatriation or resettlement, the Rohingya remain almost entirely dependent on humanitarian aid. This situation underscores the urgent need for sustained global support and cooperation to alleviate the suffering of these refugees.