Photo and words by Anuwar Sadek
Abu Sidek, a 67-year-old Rohingya refugee, lives in Kutupalong, Camp-2W, Bangladesh. With over 20 years of experience in traditional craft-making, he has relied on his skills to survive after losing everything when he fled Myanmar in 2017.
Life in Myanmar
Before being displaced, Abu Sidek lived a stable life in Myanmar with his wife and five children. He owned two acres of farmland, a herd of cattle, and made handcrafted items like baskets, cradles, fishing nets, and barns. His craftsmanship supported his family, paid for his children’s education, and helped two of them get married.
Forced to flee
In 2017, military operations forced him to leave everything behind and seek refuge in Bangladesh. In the crowded refugee camp, he had no land, no cattle, and no home—but he still had his craft-making skills. He continued making baskets and other handmade items to earn a living.
Struggle and moving forward
By 2022, his remaining children had married, leaving him and his wife to live alone. Despite the challenges, he remained dedicated to his craft. However, in 2023, his wife passed away, leaving him in deep sorrow. Determined to move forward, he remarried, seeking companionship and support. His new wife takes care of the household while he continues crafting. Each basket takes him a day to complete, requiring two bamboos costing 50 TK each. He sells them for 200 TK, providing enough to sustain their daily needs.
A message of hope
Many Rohingya refugees have lost everything and struggle to find hope. Abu Sidek encourages them to keep going and use whatever skills they have to build a future. He also calls on the international community to support the well-being and dignity of the Rohingya people. Through his craft, he continues to find purpose, proving that resilience can help overcome even the hardest times.
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