The World Bank yesterday announced two new projects worth $700 million to enhance basic services, strengthen disaster resilience, and expand human capital development for both the displaced Rohingya population and host communities in Bangladesh, reports The Daily Star.

The initiatives — the Host and Rohingya Enhancement of Lives Project (HELP) and the Inclusive Services and Opportunities Project (ISO) — each involve $350 million in financing and will run until June 2028.

“These projects reflect a multi-sectoral, comprehensive approach to improve the situation on the ground for both Rohingya and host communities in the short and medium term,” said Jean Pesme, World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh, during the launch.

All assistance to the Rohingya is being provided in the form of grants. With these new commitments, the World Bank’s total support for Rohingya and host communities has reached $1.3 billion since 2019.

HELP will focus on water and sanitation, climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, and disaster preparedness, targeting 645,000 people, including 329,000 women.

ISO will expand health, education, social protection, and gender-based violence response services. By 2028, it aims to create 22.4 million workdays, support 300,000 Rohingya learners, deliver health services to 560,000 people, and scale up psychosocial and case management services for women.

The World Bank further said nearly 20,000 host community members have already taken part in short-term work opportunities, while partnerships with the World Food Programme (WFP) have generated community workfare for half a million Rohingya.

“Until the conditions for safe, dignified and voluntary return are met, our focus remains on supporting both the displaced Rohingya and host communities,” Pesme added.
 

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