UN Halves Food Rations for Rohingya Refugees Amid Funding Crisis
The United Nations has announced a significant reduction in food assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, cutting monthly rations from $12.50 to $6 starting April 1, 2025. This decision stems from severe funding shortages and is expected to exacerbate hunger in the world’s largest refugee settlement. The World Food Programme has expressed concerns that rations below $6 per month would fail to meet basic dietary needs, potentially increasing tensions within the camps.
Student Leaders Form National Citizens’ Party to Reshape Bangladesh’s Political Landscape
In the aftermath of the revolution that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, student leaders established the National Citizens’ Party (NCP). Led by Nahid Islam, the NCP aims to draft a new democratic constitution and offer an alternative to the long-standing political dominance of the Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party. The party plans to participate in the upcoming elections, signaling a significant shift in the nation’s political dynamics.
Former Land Minister Investigated for Overseas Property Empire
Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, Bangladesh’s former land minister, is under investigation for allegedly amassing a vast international real estate portfolio valued at approximately $295 million. Acquired between 1992 and 2024, these properties span Dubai, the UK, and the US. The interim government is working to reclaim these assets, accusing Chowdhury and associates linked to the former regime of embezzling billions. These revelations raise concerns about the effectiveness of international regulations against economic crimes.
