Dhaka, March 6 -- The United Nations World Food Programme, or WFP, is set to cut more than half of the food aid for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, citing a "funding shortfall".

The change will take effect on Apr 1, with the monthly food ration per refugee being slashed from $12.50 to $6, according to a WFP letter to Bangladesh on Wednesday.

"We have received the letter. The reduction is expected to take effect in early April," Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammed Mizanur Rahman told bdnews24.com.

In response to questions about the reason for the reduction, Mizanur explained that the WFP had cited funding shortages.

The cut is expected to directly impact both Rohingya refugees and local communities, he warned.

"A re...