South Korea has provided Bangladesh with an additional 15,000 metric tonnes of rice, alongside 150 metric tonnes of nutrient-rich fortified rice kernels, to bolster food assistance for Rohingya refugees. The fortified rice kernels contain essential vitamins and minerals designed to address key nutritional needs.
The food assistance was officially handed over on Thursday during a ceremony held at the World Food Programme (WFP) Sagarika warehouse in Chattogram. Disbursed through South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), the consignment will be utilised under the WFP’s food assistance programme for Rohingya refugees residing in Cox’s Bazar.
This contribution follows South Korea’s prior food aid of 15,000 metric tonnes of rice in 2024 and 20,265 metric tonnes in 2025. The 150 metric tonnes of fortified rice kernels included in this latest batch will be blended with regular rice before distribution, thereby enhancing the overall nutritional value of the food assistance, particularly for children and other highly vulnerable groups.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, ABM Shafiqul Haider, additional secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, expressed deep gratitude to the government and people of South Korea. He noted that South Korea’s timely assistance during the ongoing Rohingya crisis stands as a stellar example of the strong partnership between the two nations.
South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Kim Ji-joon reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting the refugees, stating that South Korea’s assistance through rice and fortified rice kernels will continue.
He expressed hope that the contribution would play a key role in improving the nutritional status of the refugees alongside meeting their immediate food requirements.
WFP Representative and Country Director in Bangladesh Coco Ushiyama highlighted the critical nature of this support amid global funding constraints.
“Although humanitarian needs are rising, funding in this sector is declining,” she remarked. “At this time, South Korea’s assistance will help maintain the food supply for Rohingya families. Fortified rice kernels will also play a role in improving the nutritional value of the food assistance,” she added.
Currently, nearly 1.2 million (12 lakh) Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar remain entirely dependent on humanitarian aid to survive. With severely restricted livelihood opportunities and because the conditions required for a safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation to Myanmar have not yet been established, WFP emphasized that sustained international food and nutritional support is indispensable.
The humanitarian cooperation between South Korea and the WFP spans more than six decades. In 2025, MAFRA provided a total of 150,000 metric tonnes of rice to support WFP operations across 17 countries, including Bangladesh.
As the Rohingya crisis enters its tenth year, WFP reiterated that continued international cooperation and funding are vital to sustain essential food and nutrition programmes for the displaced population.
