Canada announces Tk 88cr to keep clean cooking fuel flowing for Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar

Canada has announced a contribution of CAD 10 million (approximately Tk 88.71 crore) to support clean and sustainable cooking fuel for nearly 12 lakh Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, according to a press release issued today by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The funding, provided to UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), will ensure the continued supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), helping refugees meet daily cooking needs while reducing environmental damage and improving safety, health and dignity, particularly for women and children.

“Canada remains a longstanding and steadfast partner in the Rohingya response,” said Ajit Singh, high commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh. He said the support would reduce deforestation and carbon emissions in the environmentally fragile district while lowering risks faced by vulnerable people collecting firewood.

Cox’s Bazar, one of Bangladesh’s most climate-vulnerable regions, is prone to flooding, landslides, cyclones and environmental degradation.

Since the start of LPG distribution, firewood use among refugee households has fallen by 80 percent, preventing an estimated 407,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, the press release said.

UNHCR Deputy Representative Juliette Murekeyisoni said the support comes at a crucial time as refugees continue to face a prolonged crisis compounded by climate vulnerability.

IOM acting Chief of Mission Giuseppe Loprete said the funding will help refugees avoid hazardous firewood collection while protecting forests and biodiversity.

The contribution will support about 243,500 households and help conserve up to 10,700 hectares of protected forest areas in Cox’s Bazar.