From 1 to 3 December 2025, a Ukrainian delegation led by H.E. Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of India, paid a visit to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh at the invitation of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and within the framework of the Ukrainian humanitarian initiative Grain from Ukraine.
The delegation took part in the handover ceremony of humanitarian assistance organised in partnership with Ukraine, Sweden and the Government of Bangladesh. Under the initiative of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy 3,000 metric tons of Ukrainian-produced sunflower oil were delivered to support the response to the Rohingya refugee crisis.
The ceremony took place at WFP’s Modhurchara Logistics Hub in Ukhia Upazila, Cox’s Bazar, and was attended by Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR); Mr. A.K.M. Mohiuddin Kayes, Director, South Asia Wing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner; H.E. Nicolas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden; H.E. Dr Oleksandr Polishchuk, Ambassador of Ukraine; and Ms. Simone Parchment, WFP Bangladesh Country Director, a.i.
H.E. Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, Ambassador of France, whose government also supports the Initiative, joined the event.
In their remarks, representatives of the Government of Bangladesh, the diplomatic corps and WFP underlined the importance of international solidarity in supporting the Rohingya refugees and highlighted Ukraine’s role in meeting the humanitarian needs of vulnerable communities even amidst Russia’s full-scale aggression.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Polishchuk stated:
“Even though Ukraine faces war, we remain committed to helping those in need. I thank Sweden and other partners for supporting the Grain from Ukraine initiative, and I express my appreciation to the Government of Bangladesh for its leadership in addressing the humanitarian needs of the Rohingya. I also extend my gratitude to WFP and all humanitarian organisations for their essential work. The food assistance programme we witnessed today is exemplary — it not only meets basic needs but also respects the dignity of people.”
As part of the visit, the Ukrainian delegation also held meetings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh with Mr. Md. Mosharaf Hossain, Director General, East Europe & CIS Wing, and Mr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Director General, Myanmar Wing. The sides discussed opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation, Bangladesh’s support for Ukrainian initiatives in international fora, and ways to deepen economic dialogue on a mutually beneficial basis, including through institutionalized mechanisms.