Dhaka: Jean Pesme, World Bank (WB) Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, announced today that the World Bank will continue its support for the welfare of the vulnerable Rohingya and host communities in Bangladesh’s coastal district. “This is my first visit to the Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps as Division Director. I am very happy to see that this project benefits both Rohingya and host of Cox’s Bazar. The disaster shelters are being used not only as safe havens during emergencies but also for education and social services. This is very encouraging. The World Bank will continue to work alongside Bangladesh for the welfare of these vulnerable communities,” he said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Pesme made these remarks as the chief guest at the inauguration of a Multi-Purpose Community Service Center at Rohingya Camp 2W in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. The center, a product of the Emergency Multi-Sector Rohingya Crisis Response Project (EMCRP), reflects Bangladesh’s commitment, in partnership with the World Bank, to improve living standards for both the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) and the host communities.
The event also featured special guests, including Javed Karim, Additional Chief Engineer at LGED and Project Director of EMCRP, and Obaydullah, Additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) and Joint Secretary to the Government of Bangladesh. Md. Abdus Salam, Deputy Project Director EMCRP-LGED, and Swarna Kazi, Task Team Leader from the World Bank, attended the event, which was presided over by Md. Fokrul Islam, Camp-in-Charge and Executive Magistrate and Senior Assistant Secretary.
Javed Karim recounted the 2018 visit by UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, who expressed concern for the Rohingya people. He explained that the EMCRP was launched in response, under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) with financial backing from the World Bank. “The project aims to reduce disaster risks, ensure safe water and sanitation, improve access to education, strengthen systems against gender-based violence, and protect the environment,” Karim noted, highlighting achievements such as the construction of cyclone shelters, community service centers, and the installation of solar streetlights and power facilities.
Obaydullah praised the new center as the sole permanent multipurpose structure within the Rohingya camps. “This shelter will serve as a disaster protection during emergencies and a space for education, health, and social programs at other times. Community ownership is vital to protect and maintain this center,” he emphasized.
Rohingya community members echoed the project’s significance. One parent expressed gratitude, noting, “This center has made my daughter’s education easier and more comfortable. Previously, her classes were in a small thatched room. Now, she studies in a clean, spacious building with toilets and water facilities. During cyclones, we will also find shelter here. We are very thankful to the Government of Bangladesh and hope for more such centers, as we are many.”
The EMCRP, implemented by LGED, the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), with support from the Bangladesh Center for Communication Programs (BCCP) and financing from the World Bank, continues to demonstrate how coordinated government and development partnerships can bring resilience, dignity, and hope to displaced and host populations alike.