By Anuwar Sadek
According to the various ground sources, the Rohingya muslims in Arakan State, Myanmar have been enduring the sufferings of starvation, serious illness and restricted movement and the constant fear of abduction by the Arakan Army AA and the Burmese Junta since the outbreak of their deadly conflict.
“ Since the violence has horribly been intensifying along the northern part of Maungdaw due to the terrorist Arakan Army AA and the Burmese Militaries, every cost of the basic needs like rice, oil, fish, meat, medicines and etc has increased and many of us survived without eating anything and the fight against the hunger and serious illness were also increased.” Omair explained
“ He further shared, “ Youths between 12 and 50 are the most afraid of being forcibly abducted by both parties so called the terrorists Arakan Army AA and the Junta.”
Omair left his home country, Myanmar, twice by the age of 15, in 2017 and 2024.
In 2017, the widespread torture, masscares, rapes, throwing children into the fire, discrimination and other atrocities commited by the Burmese brutal Militaries and the Rakhine Rebel group forced over one million Rohingya to flee their country. Omair and his family were among those who fled, taking refuge in a makeshift shelter in the largest refugee camp, Kutupalong , Camp-6.
Later in 2021, Omair and his family prepared to travel to Malaysia in search of a better life, as they struggled to meet their basic needs due to the dire financial effort in the Refugee camp, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
“ While we were on the half way to Malaysia, we were arrested in Yangon by the Myanmar authorities and imprisoned for three months. After that, they sent us back to our original village called Mrauk Taung in Maungdaw, Arakan State. Life was extremely difficult there and opportunities to earn a living were limited. Despite this, we managed to survive and stayed there for four complete years till the violence between the Arak
an Army AA and the Junta began.” Omair said“
In the first week of Jun 2024, some rebels of the Arakan Army AA came to my village and announced a meeting using a loudspeaker, asking everyone to gather in a location inside my village. About 40 men including younger ones were present and I was also one of them. During the meeting, the Arakan Army AA arrested all of us and took us to their controlled area, where we were held for six days without being provided proper food. They selected four among us, accusing them of being armed and tragically punished them. The remaining 36 including myself were released after six days.” Omar shared his emotional Voice
In early October 2024, Omair and his parents once again prepared to flee their home due to the relentless torture and the abduction carried out by the Arakan Army AA. This time, their escape was more challenging as they struggled to cross the Naf river, forced to make the dangerous journey one by one for several weeks.
“ We couldn’t not come to Bangladesh together because we didn’t have financial effort for the boat fare.” Explained Somira, mother of Omair. “ We needed to collect our financial help from our relatives who are living in Refugee camps.” That’s why we had to come here one by one.”
Finally, after enduring a deadly journey and escaping from the brutal hands of the Arakan Army AA and the Military Junta, Omair’s family has once again arrived at Kutupang Refugee camp, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The family’s resilience is one of the examples to reveal their courage in the face of unimaginable hardships.
Despite losing everything, Omair’s spirit remains unbroken and he was awarded a place to continue his educational journey by the Life Destination High School. With a great hope of reaching his goal, he joined the school, embarking on his learning in Grade-6. For Omair, this is not just an offer to learn but a chance to rebuild his life and dream of a bright future.
This powerful story is a reminder of restoring hope and dignity to displaced families including their children. The International community must not remain silent in the face of the ongoing crisis in Arakan State, Myanmar where countless Rohingya lives are being trapped in the deadly conflict between the Arakan Army Army and the Military Junta. Immediate action and intervention are very important to protect these vulnerable populations and further loss of life.
Life Destination School 