Dhaka, July 16, 2026
The United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Rohingya refugees and host communities through a strengthened humanitarian partnership, following a joint visit to Cox’s Bazar by representatives of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and the British High Commission in Dhaka.
The visit—the first of its kind by the two partners—highlighted the impact of their collaborative humanitarian efforts in Bangladesh. The delegation met with humanitarian agencies and local communities and observed programmes providing food assistance as well as water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services for Rohingya refugees and host populations.
The joint initiative is backed by US$7.8 million in funding from KSrelief and the UK Government, channelled through the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Integrated Social Development Effort (ISDE) Bangladesh. The funding was announced during the UK–Saudi Arabia Strategic Aid Dialogue in December 2025.
The visit also reflected the expanding humanitarian cooperation between the two countries following a joint statement signed in London last December, committing both sides to coordinated humanitarian action in Bangladesh and Yemen.
KSrelief Assistant Supervisor General for Operations and Programs Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz said the partnership with the UK enhances efforts to deliver life-saving assistance while empowering vulnerable communities.
UK High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said the United Kingdom is proud to work with KSrelief in providing critical support to Rohingya refugees and host communities, describing the visit as a testament to the two countries’ shared commitment to principled and effective humanitarian assistance.
