Episode: KPN 20-07-2026

UK, Saudi Arabia expand joint humanitarian aid for Rohingya Refugees and Host Communities in Bangladesh

The United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia have expanded their humanitarian partnership to support Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh, with a joint assistance package worth US$7.8 million aimed at improving food security, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and other essential services in Cox’s Bazar.

The initiative was highlighted during the first joint field visit by delegations from Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and the British High Commission in Dhaka, according to a statement issued by the British High Commission.

During the visit to Cox’s Bazar, the delegation met representatives of humanitarian organizations and members of both the Rohingya refugee and Bangladeshi host communities. They also observed ongoing food assistance and WASH programmes designed to improve living conditions for displaced Rohingya families and vulnerable local residents.

The joint funding follows commitments made during the UK–Saudi Strategic Dialogue on International Development and Humanitarian Assistance held in December 2025, under which both governments pledged closer cooperation on humanitarian responses.

The US$7.8 million programme is being implemented through international and local partners, including the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Integrated Social Development Effort Bangladesh (ISDE Bangladesh).

According to the statement, the visit demonstrated the growing humanitarian partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. In December 2025, KSrelief and the UK government signed a joint declaration in London to cooperate on humanitarian programmes in both Bangladesh and Yemen.

Delegates also met beneficiaries who said the programmes had improved access to essential services, strengthened food security, and enhanced their ability to cope with the prolonged humanitarian crisis.

Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz, Assistant Supervisor General for Operations and Programs at KSrelief, said the organization highly values its partnership with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

“Our cooperation with the United Kingdom has strengthened our ability to deliver life-saving assistance to Rohingya refugees and their host communities,” Al-Baiz said.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said the United Kingdom remains committed to supporting vulnerable communities through its partnership with KSrelief.

“We are proud to partner with KSrelief to provide life-saving support to Rohingya refugees, host communities and other vulnerable people around the world. This visit highlights our deepening humanitarian partnership and our commitment to standing beside people in need,” Cooke said.

Both governments reaffirmed that their shared objective is to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches some of the world’s most vulnerable populations through effective, principled, and humane cooperation.

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