Bangladesh Ambassador to Italy, Rakibul Haque, has urged the World Food Programme (WFP) to expand its food assistance for Rohingya refugees and play a proactive role in facilitating their repatriation to Myanmar.  

During a meeting with WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain on November 22, following the ambassador’s presentation of credentials as Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the WFP in Rome, Haque highlighted the growing number of displaced individuals due to births in camps and continued unrest-driven arrivals.  

He called for robust data collection systems and an extension of WFP’s emergency food programs to meet the rising demand. Haque emphasized the inclusion of all Rohingyas in fortified rice distribution efforts and sought WFP’s backing to improve the livelihoods of Bangladeshi farmers impacted by climate change.  

Commending WFP’s emergency operations in conflict-hit Gaza, the ambassador underscored the need for global food security, including in Palestine. He also lauded the WFP’s support during Bangladesh's presidency of the WFP Executive Board in 2022 and reaffirmed the nation's active participation as a board member.  

Cindy McCain assured Haque of WFP’s commitment to considering expanded humanitarian food aid for Rohingyas in Bangladesh.

BOB Post