Critical Alert: Imminent Rohingya Food Crisis – Urgent Global Action Needed
Urgent: Looming Food Crisis for Rohingya Refugees
The World Food Program (WFP) has warned that food assistance for over 1 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh may end by November 2025 due to a critical funding shortfall. During our recent consultation with 60 Rohingya teachers in the camps, they expressed deep concern that this would bring devastating hunger, malnutrition, and social instability.
WFP urgently requires $60 million in the next six months and $167 million over the next 12 months to continue vital food distributions. Without immediate action, children may drop out of school in search of food, families will face extreme hunger, and tensions may rise within and beyond the camps.
We call on international donors, ASEAN nations, Gulf countries, and OIC members to act now. Time is running out global solidarity is essential to prevent a humanitarian disaster.
1. Overview of the Crisis
| Key Point | Details |
| Crisis | Looming suspension of WFP food aid by end of November 2025 |
| Affected Population | Over 1 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh |
| Dependency | 100% reliant on humanitarian aid for food and survival |
| Trigger | Severe funding shortfall in WFP operations |
2. Voices from the Camps: Teachers’ Testimony
| Source | Findings from 60 Rohingya Teachers (September 2025) |
| Key Message | “If food aid stops, it will be devastating.” |
| Expected Outcomes | Hunger, malnutrition, disrupted education, and rising despair |
| Social Impact | Mental health deterioration, increased desperation, and potential unrest |
3. Current Humanitarian Situation
| Condition | Status |
| Employment Opportunities | None – Rohingya are not allowed to work legally |
| Integration Status | Prohibited from integrating into Bangladeshi society |
| Return to Myanmar | Not possible due to insecurity in Rakhine State |
| Food Supply Chain | Entirely managed by WFP monthly distributions |
4. Funding Breakdown
| Item | Details |
| Immediate Need (6 months) | $60 million |
| Total Need (12 months) | $167 million |
| Major Donor | United States (~60% of current funding) |
| Funding Gap | Requires additional support from ASEAN, Gulf States, and OIC members |
5. Potential Consequences if Aid Ends
| Impact Area | Expected Consequences |
| Food Security | Hunger, malnutrition, and possible starvation among children and elderly |
| Education | Children may drop out to search for food |
| Social Stability | Risk of unrest within camps and tensions with host communities |
| Migration Pressure | Irregular movement as refugees leave camps for survival |
| Host Economy | Collapse of local procurement chain tied to WFP food purchases |
6. WFP Response Measures
| Area | Details |
| Efficiency | 82¢ of every dollar goes directly to beneficiaries |
| Cost Savings | $19 million projected through operational adjustments |
| Community Benefits | Local procurement supports Bangladeshi farmers and suppliers |
| School Feeding | Improves health, learning, and creates jobs for local women in camp kitchens |
7. Global Call to Action
| Target Partners | Required Action |
| ASEAN & Gulf States | Mobilize emergency contributions |
| OIC Members | Increase humanitarian engagement |
| International Donors | Ensure Rohingya crisis remains a priority amid global competition for funds |
| UNGA September 30, 2025 | High-level conference to secure commitments |
8. Conclusion & Urgent Appeal
| Key Takeaway | Message |
| Urgency | Without immediate funding, food aid will end in November 2025 |
| Human Cost | Hunger, instability, and regional tension are imminent risks |
| Call to Action | Global solidarity is essential – time is running out |
References
- Dhaka Tribune. (2025, September 6). WFP warns of looming Rohingya food crisis, urges global action. Retrieved from: https://www.dhakatribune.com/390810
- UNB News. (2025, September 6). Interview with Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director and COO, WFP.
- Field Consultation with 60 Rohingya Teachers, Cox’s Bazar Camps (September 2025).
About Author
Mr Kaisayr Husein, both his Ph.D. in Education and International Relations and MA in Political Science and Public Administration research focused on the Rohingya identity, refugee crises, migration, legal rights, and citizenship issues. His research explores the longtime process of democracy development in Myanmar, conflict analysis, genocide studies, ethnic minority rights, religious discrimination, statelessness, and forced displacement, with particular case studies on the Rohingya crises in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Mr Kaisayr’s academic contributions extend to international refugee law (IRL), migration policy, legal status, and the historical context of Arakan.
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