The Permanent Under-Secretary of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), Sir Philip Barton, has announced a new funding commitment of £3,000,000 (equivalent to approximately TK 42 crore) to support Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.
During his visit to Bangladesh, Sir Philip Barton stated, “I am pleased to announce a further UK contribution of £3,000,000 to UNHCR, which will help ensure refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char can access essential services such as healthcare, clean water, hygiene, sanitation, and cooking fuel.”
This additional funding will be directed through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), according to a press release from the British High Commission.
Sir Philip Barton emphasized the UK’s steadfast commitment to standing with the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, as well as all those impacted by this ongoing crisis, which originated from the atrocities of 2017 that forced Rohingyas into Bangladesh.
He further expressed the UK’s advocacy for a long-term solution that would enable refugees to return to Myanmar under safe, voluntary, and dignified conditions, contingent upon favorable conditions in Myanmar. Until that becomes feasible, the UK remains dedicated to supporting both the Rohingya refugees and the host communities in Bangladesh.
Since 2017, the United Kingdom has provided a substantial total of £365 million (equivalent to over 5,000 crore taka) in aid to assist the Rohingya population and the Bangladeshi host communities.
Sir Philip Barton’s visit to Bangladesh marks the fifth UK-Bangladesh Strategic Dialogue, which underscores the historical ties between the UK and Bangladesh and highlights both nations’ shared commitment to forging a modern economic, trade, and security partnership, as affirmed by the British High Commission.
