Bangladesh, Sweden, and Ukraine unite to support WFP's Rohingya response through grain from Ukraine

"Together, we must keep the world’s attention on the Rohingya crisis and ensure continued support.” said H.E. Nicolas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden. “This partnership demonstrates that solidarity is not an idea – it is action. Through that action, the Grain from Ukraine initiative strengthens food security for Rohingya refugees, supports Ukrainian farmers whose livelihoods are under threat, and helps stabilize global food supply chains.”

The handover ceremony at WFP’s Modhurchara Logistics Hub in Ukhiya brought together senior officials from the Government of Bangladesh, Ambassadors of Ukraine, Sweden, France, and the WFP representatives.

• “I express my sincere appreciation to Sweden and Ukraine for this critical contribution,” said Mr. Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR). “Your support is deeply meaningful for the Rohingya response. It will significantly strengthen food assistance for the Rohingya population and reflects a partnership built on humanity, compassion, and shared global responsibility.”
• “This event underscores a shared humanitarian conviction – one that unites Ukraine, Sweden, France, WFP and the Government of Bangladesh in supporting communities who have endured immense hardship,” said Mr. Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC).
• “Today’s donation is not only a timely humanitarian gesture but also a genuine expression of friendship and solidarity towards the Rohingya,” said Mr. A.K.M. Mohiuddin Kayes, Director, South Asia Wing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Empowering families through e-vouchers

Delegates visited an e-voucher outlet, where the sunflower oil and other food items are distributed through WFP’s e-voucher system. Each person receives US$12, allowing families to choose items from any of the 19 e-voucher outlets across the camp. Alongside staple foods, they can access fresh produce such as seasonal vegetables, fish and poultry sourced from local markets, including smallholder farmers in host communities.

“I thank Sweden and other partners for supporting the Grain from Ukraine initiative and express my admiration to the Government of Bangladesh for its leadership in addressing the humanitarian needs of the Rohingya community,” said H.E. Dr Oleksandr Polishchuk, Ambassador of Ukraine. “I also commend WFP and all humanitarian actors for their critical work. The food assistance we saw is an exemplary program that meets not only basic needs but also respects dignity.”

“The unwavering commitments of Ukraine to humanitarian needs around the world, along with Sweden’s generous support, is a powerful testament to global solidarity,” said WFP Bangladesh Country Director ad interim Simone Parchment. “Let this contribution inspire others to step forward – because together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and bring hope to vulnerable communities in the Rohingya camps and beyond.”

Now in its ninth year, the Rohingya response faces a US$ 172 million funding gap for 2026. Without new contributions, food assistance for nearly 1.2 million people will be severely disrupted starting from April 2026.

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Note to the Editor

The ceremony was attended by Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR); Mr. Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC); Mr. A.K.M. Mohiuddin Kayes, Director, South Asia Wing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs;  H.E. Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk, Ambassador of Ukraine; H.E. Nicolas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden; and Ms. Simone Parchment, WFP Bangladesh Country Director, ad interim; along with H.E. Jean-Marc Séré‑Charlet, Ambassador of France, whose government also funds the Initiative.

About WFP:

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

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