Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees living in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh are facing reduced food assistance, beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The change has raised alarm within the already vulnerable community.

Food Assistance Reduced for Rohingya Refugees

Currently, the 1.2 million Rohingya refugees receive $12 per person each month. This amount has been described as barely sufficient for survival. Most fled brutal attacks in Myanmar in 2017 and are prohibited from working in Bangladesh, making them heavily reliant on humanitarian aid.

New Tiered System Implemented

The United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP) is implementing a new tiered system. Approximately 17% of the refugee population will receive as little as $7 per month. A third of those classified as “extremely food insecure,” including households headed by children, will continue to receive $12.

“It is very difficult to understand how we will survive now with only $7. Our children will suffer the most,” said Mohammed Rahim, a camp resident. He expressed concern that the reduction could lead to severe hunger and even death.

WFP Response and Concerns

The WFP has previously warned of potential ration reductions due to funding cuts from the United States and other countries, resulting in a loss of a third of its funding last year. However, WFP spokesperson Kun Li stated that Wednesday’s change is not directly related to these funding cuts and should not be described as a “ration cut.”

The WFP maintains that even with the reduced rations, refugees will still receive at least 2,100 calories per day, the recommended minimum for emergency food aid. The agency claims the plan will “strengthen fairness, transparency, and equity in food assistance.”

Bangladesh Official Warns of Flight Risk

Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Bangladesh’s Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, disagrees, stating the change effectively is a ration cut. He fears the desperation will drive refugees to attempt dangerous journeys in search of food and work.

Ongoing Challenges and Limited Options

The same military responsible for the 2017 attacks, which the U.S. declared a genocide, remains in control of Myanmar following a 2021 coup. This makes a safe return for the Rohingya virtually impossible. Aid programs were only half-funded in 2025 and are currently only 19% funded.

In 2023, rations were cut to $8 a month, leading to widespread malnutrition, with 15% of children experiencing acute malnutrition – the highest rate ever recorded. Rations were later restored to $12 in 2024.

Dozens of Rohingya protested the new system on Tuesday, demanding the restoration of full rations and holding signs warning of starvation. Mohammed Rahim stated that some are considering returning to Myanmar despite the risks, while others are contemplating dangerous journeys to Malaysia on fishing boats.

“Ration cuts are pushing people toward life-threatening risks, leaving them with no safe choices,” Rahim said. “I am very worried about the future of our children.”