Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh Kim Ji-joon on Sunday said Korea remains committed to working with the government of Bangladesh and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to support the Rohingya community during this difficult time.
“We are pleased to continue Korea’s support for Rohingya refugees through this contribution of rice and fortified rice kernels. By adding essential micronutrients to food assistance, we hope to support not only food security but also improved nutrition outcomes for vulnerable families,” he said.
The government of Bangladesh, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) jointly held a handover ceremony at WFP’s Sagorika Warehouse in Chattogram to mark a new contribution of 15,000 metric tonnes of rice from the Republic of Korea in support of food assistance for Rohingya refugees.
The rice, provided through the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), will support WFP’s food assistance programme for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar.
It follows Korea’s previous contributions of 15,000 metric tonnes in 2024 and 20,265 metric tonnes in 2025 for the Rohingya response, said the WFP.
This year’s contribution also includes 150 metric tonnes of fortified rice kernels containing essential vitamins and minerals. Once blended with the donated rice, they will help improve the nutritional quality of food assistance provided to Rohingya families, particularly children and other vulnerable groups.
Following blending, the rice will be transported to Cox’s Bazar and distributed through WFP’s General Food Assistance programme.
Additional Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, ABM Shafiqul Haidar expressed sincere appreciation to the government and people of the Republic of Korea for this valuable contribution.
“Today’s contribution is a testament to what enduring friendship, cooperation, and partnership can achieve. It reflects our shared commitment to addressing humanitarian challenges and supporting those in need with compassion and resolve,” he said.
“The contribution comes at a critical time for the Rohingya response, as humanitarian needs continue to outpace available resources,” said Coco Ushiyama, WFP Representative and Country Director in Bangladesh.
“It will help ensure that families continue to receive essential food assistance, while the fortified rice kernels will strengthen the nutritional quality of assistance provided to vulnerable refugees. We are grateful to the Republic of Korea for its continued support and solidarity with Rohingya families who remain heavily dependent on humanitarian assistance.”
Over 1.3 million Rohingya refugees remain dependent on humanitarian assistance, with limited livelihood opportunities and no immediate prospect of a safe, voluntary and dignified return to Myanmar.
Sustained donor support remains essential to maintaining food security and nutrition outcomes for one of the world’s largest and most protracted refugee populations, said the WFP.
The Republic of Korea and WFP have worked together for more than six decades, beginning when Korea itself benefited from WFP assistance. Today, Korea is a major provider of in-kind food assistance to WFP operations worldwide.
In 2025, MAFRA provided 150,000 metric tonnes of rice to support WFP operations in 17 countries, including Bangladesh.
As the Rohingya crisis enters its tenth year, continued international support remains critical to maintaining food and nutrition assistance for refugees and supporting the government of Bangladesh and host communities that have carried the responsibility of hosting the Rohingya population for nearly a decade.