Rohingya welcome $73m in new US aid

The US government has confirmed it would provide $73 million in new financial aid for Rohingya refugees through the United Nations’ (UN) food agency, easing worries among more than 1 million refugees that essential food rations would be cut.

Aid agencies, the UN and refugees have voiced concerns after the World Food Program (WFP) warned it may be affected after US President Donald Trump’s administration announced it was cutting international aid.

The WFP said earlier this month that if it is not able to raise funds, it will have no option but to halve food rations to $6 a month from previous $12.50 in Bangladesh’s southern coastal district of Cox’s Bazar, where the Rohingya live in sprawling camps.

Rohingya refugees are seen in a market at the Balukhali camp at Cox's Bazar district, Bangladesh, on Friday. AP

Bangladesh government’s Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, told reporters that he received confirmation from the WFP on Thursday that refugees in Cox’s Bazar - as well as the thousands who have been relocated to Bhashan Char island - will continue to receive $12 to $13 a month each in aid.

“This food and nutrition support through WFP will provide critically needed food and nutrition assistance for more than one million people,” US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday.

Associated Press