Dhaka, 4 March 2026 – The Government of Japan has provided USD 2.6 million (approximately 400 million JPY) to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to support Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. An Exchange of Notes was signed between Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh H.E. SAIDA Shinichi and Giuseppe Loprete, Chief of Mission (a.i.), IOM Bangladesh, marking Japan’s continued humanitarian support for displaced populations in Bangladesh. The project will benefit around 565,000 Rohingya refugees and members of host communities through integrated interventions addressing urgent needs, including shelter and non-food items, LPG distribution, healthcare services, and site management and development in refugee camps. The programme will also support livelihood opportunities for refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char and implement Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) initiatives to assist vulnerable host communities exposed to climate-related risks. Ambassador SAIDA Shinichi said Japan remains firmly committed to assisting Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh. He expressed hope that the assistance would help improve living conditions, strengthen resilience, and uphold human dignity amid the prolonged humanitarian crisis. Giuseppe Loprete of IOM noted that humanitarian needs in Cox’s Bazar remain urgent in 2026 as the refugee population continues to face growing challenges while long-term solutions remain uncertain. He thanked the Government of Japan for its continued support, stating that the funding will help deliver critical life-saving assistance, including shelter, health services, livelihoods support, and disaster resilience programmes. Since the beginning of the Rohingya crisis in August 2017, Japan has been a key donor to the humanitarian response in Bangladesh, contributing over USD 250 million to IOM, UN agencies, and humanitarian organizations supporting Rohingya refugees and host communities.