Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – August 27, 2025 – A new milestone was achieved under the Emergency Multi-Sector Rohingya Crisis Response Project (EMCRP) with the handover and inauguration of a Multi-Purpose Community Service Center at Rohingya Camp 2W in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. The ceremony highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment, in partnership with the World Bank, to improving the living standards of both Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) and host communities of Bangladesh.

The event was graced by Mr. Jean Pesme, Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan at the World Bank, as the Chief Guest. Special Guests included Mr. Javed Karim, Additional Chief Engineer at LGED and Project Director of EMCRP, and Mr. Obaydullah, Additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) and Joint Secretary to the Government of Bangladesh. Guests Md. Abdus Salam, Deputy Project Director EMCRP-LGED and Ms. Swarna Kazi, Task Team Leader, The World Bank.The program was presided over by Mr. Md. Fokrul Islam, Camp-in-Charge & Executive Magistrate and Senior Assistant Secretary, Government of Bangladesh.
Speaking as Chief Guest, Mr. Pesme emphasized the World Bank’s long-term commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s efforts in managing the humanitarian crisis. “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.

In his address, Mr. Javed Karim recalled the 2018 visit of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, who expressed deep concern over the plight of the Rohingya people. He explained that EMCRP was launched in response, under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) with financial support 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,” Mr. Javed Karim noted.He further outlined major achievements to date: construction of 15 cyclone shelters, 16 multi-purpose community service centers inside camps, nine satellite fire stations, over 4,000 solar streetlights, more than 1,000 nano-grid power facilities, and 67 lightning arrestors. He added that communication and awareness campaigns are encouraging people to use these facilities responsibly under the project motto, “The service facilities for me; I use those with care.”
Mr. Obaydullah, Additional RRRC, praised the new center as the only permanent multipurpose structure inside 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.
The significance of the project was echoed by the community itself. A Rohingya parent attending the event expressed heartfelt gratitude: “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), Bangladesh Center for Communication Programs (BCCP),was responsible for supporting LGED in enhancing communication capacity and raising awareness among FDMN and host communities on encouraging community people responsible service usages, the entire activities with 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.