Approximately 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar are living in Bangladesh, primarily in the camps of Cox’s Bazar and Bhashanchar. Essential needs—including food, education, and training—have largely been funded by the United States.
However, over the past year, U.S. aid has fallen to less than half its previous level, forcing many schools to close and raising concerns of a potential food crisis after November.
From the outset, the U.S. contributed a major portion of the international fund supporting Rohingyas. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Bangladesh received $67.92 million in humanitarian aid in 2024, with over 80% allocated to Rohingya refugees. The U.S. contributed 52.7% of this total—$35.67 million.
OCHA’s latest data shows that by 22 August 2025, Bangladesh had received $36.1 million in humanitarian aid, over 93% of which went to Rohingya refugees. Of this, the U.S. contributed only 23.7%—just over $8.53 million—a drop of more than half in one year. The UN and humanitarian organizations warn that continuing this trend will severely affect food, healthcare, and education for the refugees.
Humanitarian groups say the funding reduction has forced cuts in food distribution, raising malnutrition and health risks, particularly among women and children.
Rohingya activist Yunus Arman said, “The situation is stable for now, but chaos could increase. Without adequate food, refugees may leave camps for work, potentially sparking conflicts with locals. Some are already attempting to work outside. UNICEF ran programs for 350,000 children, but closures have left many out of school. NGOs have scaled back activities, health support has declined, and some Rohingyas are being exploited by drug traffickers, leading to arrests at the border. Without adequate funding, these problems will worsen.”
The aid shortfall has caused many NGO projects in Cox’s Bazar—particularly in education and skill development—to halt, leaving adolescents frustrated and increasing risks of crime and social unrest.
Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, said, “Current projects, funded at the start of the year, are continuing, but next year’s commitments, expected by September, may face significant shortfalls. About 40% of overall Rohingya aid comes from the U.S., and without further pledges, consequences could be severe. UNICEF has already closed schools in host communities, and many activities may be scaled down next year.”
The Bangladesh government has also expressed concern. A Foreign Ministry official noted that without timely international support, managing refugee camps and meeting humanitarian needs will become increasingly difficult.
Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Commissioner (Additional Secretary) of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission, said, “Over 80% of U.S. funding goes to food assistance. If trends continue, a major crisis could emerge by November–December. Currently, each refugee receives $12 per month, but WFP may reduce this, affecting food supply. Education, health, family planning, sexual and reproductive health, and WASH services have already been impacted. UNHCR protection programs are at risk. U.S. funding influences other donors, so reductions, along with cuts from the EU and UK, have global ripple effects.”
The Bangladeshi interim government is actively addressing the crisis, holding intensive discussions with international partners. Three major conferences are planned this year: one starting today in Cox’s Bazar, and two more later in New York and Doha. The largest will be held in New York in late September.
Refugee experts say the Cox’s Bazar conference will provide an updated overview of the crisis and could influence funding decisions at upcoming international gatherings. Asif Munir explained,“U.S. funding has been reduced globally, though some pledges remain, so cuts are uneven. Last year’s Joint Response Plan for Rohingyas is being revised. Agencies are exploring solutions, and the upcoming conferences will allow Bangladesh to highlight funding gaps, potentially mitigating deficits next year.”
Human rights organizations attribute the shortfall to policy shifts in the U.S. and other Western countries. Global conflicts, the Ukraine war, and major humanitarian crises in the Middle East have diverted significant resources, pushing the Rohingya issue down the international agenda. For Rohingyas in Bangladesh, however, this remains a matter of life and death.
The UN refugee agency has called on other donor countries to step forward. While the EU, Japan, and some Arab nations have provided limited support, it falls far short of what is needed. Experts stress that without a political solution, long-term resolution of the crisis cannot rely solely on humanitarian aid.
