WB pledges support programme for Rohingyas

The finance minister, AMA Muhith, on Wednesday sought the World Bank’s support to cope with hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, the development agency said.

In response, the WB said it is ready to move with a programme of variety of supports for the government, host communities, and the refugees.
The multilateral lending agency disclosed the development, issuing a press release from Washington.
It said the value of the WB investment has yet to be decided but the programme of support could include expanding access to health, education, water, sanitation, and roads.
“The situation has affected Bangladesh greatly and is still evolving with new refugees arriving every day,” said Muhith.
“The scale of the needs requires a global humanitarian and development response, and we look forward to the World Bank’s support.”
The WB appreciated Bangladesh for keeping its doors open to the refugee influx, acknowledging that the country’s ability to support them has been stretched, as it struggles with its own challenges.
“We appreciate that Bangladesh is supporting the Rohingya people as it works diligently to reduce poverty and increase prosperity,” said Annette Dixon, WB vice president for the South Asia region.
He added that while they hope the refugees could safely return home soon, it is important that the international community support them and the host communities in the near term with basic services. “We will do everything we can to provide that support.”