Qatar Charity supports Rohingya refugees with food security projects

Qatar Charity (QC) continues to implement the agricultural ‘Livelihood’ project, launched in June 2023, aiming to alleviate the plight of Rohingya refugees residing on the Bhasan Char Island of Bangladesh. The project is benefiting 200 refugees.

The project has enabled the refugees to grow various vegetables at no expense, helping them fulfill their food needs. Additionally, it also allows them to sell the surplus produce to meet their other requirements. As part of the project, Qatar Charity covers all expenses related to agricultural production. Currently, 40 refugee families benefit from this project, cultivating an area of 2.86 acres of land.

Throughout the year, refugee families are able to produce a diverse range of vegetables that they consume in their meals.

The refugees expressed their admiration for the project. Jamila Khatun, one of the farmers involved in the project, said, “Accessing fresh vegetables was challenging in our camp due to limited supply and high prices. However, we have now overcome this obstacle and can meet our family’s nutritional needs, enhancing our food security.”

Another beneficiary, Mohammad Rafiq, stated, “We’re delighted to be able to sell our surplus produce to fellow refugees and NGO workers on the Bhasan Char Island, generating income to purchase essential items for our families.”

Rahima Khatun expressed gratitude towards Qatar Charity for providing them with land, agricultural resources, and technical assistance. She hopes that its support will extend to other refugees in need.

The local authorities also expressed their appreciation for the project benefiting the refugees. Mr. Mahfuzur Rahman, a high official of the Rohingya camp in Bhasanchar, said, “It is a very good initiative of Qatar Charity. The refugees have been producing fresh vegetables which meet their food needs. The project ensures the food security of the beneficiaries.”

It is worth mentioning that Qatar Charity has carried out various interventions for Rohingya refugees. Its relief interventions in Bhasan Char benefitted 550,000 individuals in the last 3 years. It provided food and non-food aid to meet their essential needs.