Photo : British High Commission in Bangladesh

DHAKA, July 16, 2026 (BSS) - The United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh through strengthened humanitarian cooperation and joint assistance programmes.

The commitment came as representatives of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and the British High Commission in Dhaka concluded their first joint visit to Cox's Bazar to review humanitarian programmes jointly supported by the two countries.

During the visit, the delegation met humanitarian partners and members of Rohingya and host communities and observed projects providing food security assistance and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, said a press release issued by the British High Commission here today. 

The two countries are jointly providing US$7.8 million through partners, including the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Integrated Social Development Effort (ISDE) Bangladesh. 

The funding was announced in December 2025 during the UK-Saudi Arabia Strategic Aid Dialogue.

The visit marked a deepening humanitarian partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom following the signing of a joint statement in London in December 2025 committing both sides to humanitarian cooperation in Bangladesh and Yemen.

The delegation also heard directly from humanitarian agencies and community members about how the programmes are improving access to essential services, enhancing living conditions and strengthening resilience among Rohingya refugees and host communities.

KSrelief Assistant Supervisor General for Operations and Programs Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz said the organisation highly values its partnership with the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

"We value our partnership with FCDO as we work together to continue empowering vulnerable communities. Our partnership with the UK enhances our ability to deliver life-saving support to Rohingya refugees and their hosts, reaffirming our shared dedication to alleviating suffering and fostering resilience through effective and compassionate humanitarian action," Al-Baiz said.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said the United Kingdom is proud to partner with KSrelief in delivering life-saving assistance to Rohingya refugees, host communities and other vulnerable populations.

"The United Kingdom is proud to partner with KSrelief to deliver life-saving assistance for Rohingya refugees, host communities and other vulnerable populations around the world. This visit marks our deepening humanitarian partnership and our shared commitment to helping those in need," she said.