Dhaka, March 7 -- The United Nations World Food Programme, or WFP, has warned of a "critical funding shortfall" for its emergency response operations in Bangladesh, jeopardising food assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

In a statement on Friday, the WFP said monthly rations must be halved to $6 per person, down from $12.50, without urgent new funding - just as refugees prepare to observe Eid, marking the end of Ramadan.

The change will take effect on Apr 1, according to a WFP letter to Bangladesh on Wednesday.

"All Rohingya receive vouchers that are redeemed for their choice of food at designated retailers in the camps. To sustain full rations, WFP urgently requires US$15 million for April, and US$81 million until the end of...