‘Grain from Ukraine’ has supplied 3,000 metric tonnes of sunflower oil for Rohingya refugees

The Government of Bangladesh, the Embassies of Ukraine and Sweden, and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have jointly marked the handover of 3,000 metric tonnes of sunflower oil for Rohingya refugees under the Grain from Ukraine initiative.

According to a WFP release issued today, the contribution will bolster the Rohingya humanitarian response led by the government, with support from WFP and other partners.

Launched in 2022, the Grain from Ukraine (GfU) initiative is a humanitarian programme by the Ukrainian government aimed at supplying Ukrainian food commodities for WFP’s crisis operations with backing from international donors.

The sunflower oil destined for the Rohingya camps was produced in Ukraine, while its procurement and transport—totalling USD 7 million—were funded by the Government of Sweden.

The handover ceremony was held on December 3 at WFP’s Modhurchara Logistics Hub in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. Attendees included Md Mostafizur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management; Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammed Mizanur Rahman; AKM Mohiuddin Kayes, Director of the South Asia Wing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ukrainian Ambassador Dr Oleksandr Polishchuk; Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks; and WFP Bangladesh Country Director (ad interim) Simone Parchment. French Ambassador Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet, representing another government supporting the initiative, was also present.

Disaster Management Secretary Md Mostafizur Rahman conveyed heartfelt gratitude to Sweden and Ukraine for the “critical contribution,” noting that it would significantly strengthen food assistance for the Rohingya population and reflects a partnership grounded in humanity, compassion, and shared global responsibility.

Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammed Mizanur Rahman said the event highlights a collective humanitarian commitment shared by Ukraine, Sweden, France, WFP, and Bangladesh to support communities facing profound hardship.

“This donation is not only timely but also a sincere expression of friendship and solidarity with the Rohingya,” added AKM Mohiuddin Kayes of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.