Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – The World Food Programme (WFP) has resumed the distribution of monthly food rations across all Rohingya refugee camps today, bringing much-needed relief to thousands of displaced families. The initiative comes after a significant gap of more than a week, which left many refugees struggling to secure enough food for survival.
To address this crisis, WFP has announced that rations will now be distributed even on weekends to ensure that all registered refugees receive their food supplies on time. This move aims to prevent further delays and reduce the risk of food shortages in the overcrowded camps.
Ration gaps have been a growing concern among Rohingya refugees, who depend entirely on humanitarian aid for their daily meals. Many families had run out of essential food items due to the extended delay in distribution, forcing them to rely on borrowed food or reduced meals.
A refugee in Camp 11 shared his struggle, saying, “We have been waiting for our rations for days. Many people had nothing left to eat, and children were going to sleep hungry. This delay caused immense hardship.”
WFP officials have acknowledged the difficulties faced by refugees and have assured that all beneficiaries will receive their full food rations. They have also confirmed that efforts are being made to improve the distribution process to prevent future delays.
The Rohingya camps in Bangladesh house nearly one million refugees, most of whom fled Myanmar following military crackdowns in 2017. Food aid remains their primary source of sustenance, as refugees are not allowed to work or earn a livelihood. Any disruption in food distribution poses a serious risk to their well-being, particularly for children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Humanitarian organizations and refugee leaders have welcomed WFP’s decision to extend ration distribution to weekends and address the gaps. However, they stress the need for a long-term solution to ensure food security for Rohingya refugees, as funding cuts and logistical challenges continue to threaten aid programs.
As the distribution continues, refugees are hopeful that food supplies will now reach them consistently and without further delays, allowing them to focus on their survival amidst the ongoing uncertainty of their future.
