Dhaka, Bangladesh – Rohingya aid cuts by the United States have compelled thousands of refugee families in Bangladesh to marry off young girls and send children into hazardous labour to survive. The reductions, announced in late 2025, have slashed food assistance by up to 40 percent, affecting over one million people in Cox’s Bazar camps. Aid workers report rising malnutrition and exploitation since the policy took effect on December 1.
The Rohingya aid cuts underscore a broader crisis in South Asia, where Bangladesh hosts the world’s largest refugee settlement amid strained resources and regional instability. With Myanmar’s ongoing conflict blocking returns, these funding gaps exacerbate vulnerabilities for a population displaced since 2017, straining host communities and risking cross-border tensions.
Impacts of US Aid Cuts on Rohingya Families
In the sprawling camps of Cox’s Bazar, Rohingya aid cuts have triggered immediate hardships. Families receive only USD 8 per person monthly, down from USD 12, leading to widespread hunger. Parents like Fatima Begum, a 35-year-old mother of four, told reporters she married her 14-year-old daughter to a 25-year-old man in November to reduce household burdens. “We had no choice,” she said. “The aid is gone, and we can’t feed everyone.”
Rohingya child marriage rates have surged by 30 percent in the past month, according to camp officials. Girls as young as 12 face forced unions, often to older men, as families seek dowries or fewer mouths to feed. Aid agencies note that such practices expose girls to abuse and health risks, including early pregnancies.
Boys fare no better under Rohingya aid cuts. Many, aged 10 to 15, now toil in brick kilns, fishing boats, or salt farms for BDT 200 (about USD 1.70) daily. Mohammad Ali, a 12-year-old from Kutupalong camp, works 12-hour shifts carrying heavy loads. “School closed because of no funds,” he explained. “I work to buy rice.” Rohingya child labour has risen sharply, with estimates suggesting over 5,000 children affected since the cuts.
US aid cuts to Rohingya programmes stem from budget reallocations under the new administration. The US, previously the largest donor, contributed USD 200 million annually to the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNHCR efforts. Now, funding has dropped to USD 120 million for 2026, forcing ration reductions.
Humanitarian Response and Challenges
Aid organisations have scrambled to mitigate Rohingya aid cuts. The WFP appealed for USD 700 million in emergency funds but secured only half. “These cuts are life-threatening,” said a WFP spokesperson in Dhaka. UNHCR has closed 200 schools, leaving 50,000 children without education and more prone to exploitation.
In South Asia, the ripple effects are profound. Bangladesh’s government, already spending BDT 10 billion yearly on refugees, warns of security risks if aid falters. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged international donors at a December 15 UN meeting to restore funding. “We cannot bear this alone,” she stated.
Rohingya child marriage and Rohingya child labour highlight gender disparities in the camps. Girls face cultural pressures to wed early, while boys enter dangerous jobs. Health clinics report increased cases of injuries and diseases among working children.
Local economies in Cox’s Bazar feel the strain from Rohingya aid cuts. Host communities compete for scarce jobs, fueling resentment. A recent government survey showed 20 percent unemployment rise in the district since 2023.
Background on the Rohingya Crisis
The Rohingya fled Myanmar in 2017 amid military crackdowns deemed genocidal by the UN. Over 700,000 arrived in Bangladesh, joining earlier arrivals to total 1.2 million. International aid sustained them until recent geopolitical shifts. US aid cuts to Rohingya reflect broader foreign policy changes, prioritising domestic issues over humanitarian commitments.
Myanmar’s civil war persists, with no safe repatriation in sight. Bangladesh has attempted returns twice, both failing due to violence. Rohingya aid cuts compound this limbo, as refugees lack citizenship or work rights.
What’s Next for Rohingya Refugees
Donors meet in Geneva on January 10, 2026, to discuss bridging Rohingya aid cuts. EU and UK have pledged USD 50 million each, but gaps remain. Bangladesh plans stricter camp controls to curb child exploitation.
Without reversal, Rohingya child marriage and Rohingya child labour could double by mid-2026, per NGO projections. Aid workers call for sustainable solutions, including skills training.
US aid cuts to Rohingya may signal wider reductions in global aid, prompting South Asian nations to seek alternative funding from China and India.
In the face of ongoing Rohingya aid cuts, refugees cling to hope for restored support to avert further tragedy.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 19th, 2025
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