Refugees Preparing Refugees for New Destinations
It was a remarkable moment as Life Destination High School offered a great opportunity for Rohingya youth to learn how to write both fiction and nonfiction. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated trainers and enthusiastic students for their commitment to skill development. A special thanks to Anuwar Sadek for creating a wonderful training module that made this program a success.
#Education #training #course #fiction #nonfiction #Rohingyayouth #Bangladesh #Refugeecamp #writing
Day-4
#begining Writer’s Workshop, organized by Life Destination High School and thank you to our dedicated #trainers and #participants for your regular #attendances and sincere #efforts.
#Writing #educationmatters #Rohingyalearners #students #academicyear20252026 #Creativewriting
📷 Saber Hossain
Day-2
Alhamdulliah
Day-2,
#begining Writer’s Workshop, organized by Life Destination High School and thank you to our dedicated #trainers and #participants for your regular #attendances and sincere #efforts.
#Writing #educationmatters #Rohingyalearners #students #academicyear20252026 #Creativewriting
📢 ANNOUNCEMENT
Beginning Writer’s Workshop – Join Us! ✍️📚
🚨 Calling all young minds, storytellers, and dreamers!
We’re excited that Life Destination High School is going to launch the Beginning Writer’s Workshop, a creative space to help you explore the power of words, stories, and self-expression!
🗓️ Start Date: [04 July 2025]
🕒 Time: [09:00am to 12:00pm]
✍️ Days: [ Firday to Saturday in three weeks]
🌄 Total hours: [ 18 ]
📍 Location: [ Camp-6, Kutupang Refugee Camp]
📅 Duration: 6 sessions ( 3hours each)
✅ Learn how to write:
✔️ Stories & poems
✔️ Personal essays & biographies
✔️ Real-life and fiction writing
✔️ Letters, emails & more!
🧑🎓 Trainers
✍️ Anuwar Sadek
✍️ Nur Kabir
📌 Open to beginners of all ages! No experience needed — just your imagination and a pen.
🎓 Certificates will be awarded at the end of the course!
👉 Limited seats! Reserve your spot now.
📞 Contact: [ +880 1884-761425 ]
📩 [anuwarsadek493@gmail.com]
#WritingWorkshop #BeginnerWriters #Storytelling #LearnToWrite #WritersCommunity
By Anuwar Sadek
Persecution, killings, imprisonment, torture, forced labor, movement restrictions, and many other forms of oppression against the Rohingya minority by the brutal Burmese government are not new. These atrocities have been ongoing since the early years following Myanmar’s independence from British colonial rule. Most recently, a new armed group claiming authority—the so-called Arakan Army (AA)—with terroristic intentions of ethnically cleansing the remaining Rohingya Muslims from Arakan (Rakhine) State, has reportedly killed more than 5,000 civilians across Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathidaung, and other regions.
For a single Rohingya, trying to live a normal life has become like surviving in a battlefield that feels more like a graveyard. Can anyone truly understand what it means to live with the constant fear of death, without access to even the most basic necessities? It is not easy—perhaps impossible—for any human being to survive in such a condition.
Due to the unbearable persecution inflicted by the Burmese government, the Rohingya people have endured multiple waves of forced exodus—each one a desperate search for a place where they can live without the fear of being killed. These journeys have repeatedly ended in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where over a million Rohingya now take shelter and survive under more humane conditions. The warm hospitality extended by the people and government of Bangladesh will never be forgotten. It is an act of humanity that deserves eternal gratitude—and surely, divine reward.
According to the United Nations, more than 122.6 million people have been forcibly displaced worldwide. Among them are the Rohingya, driven from their ancestral homeland of Myanmar. Being a refugee does not strip a person of their humanity. Refugees still carry hope, emotions, anger, decisions, feelings, and dreams—just like anyone else. But all of these are suppressed, locked away under the label of “refugee,” often treated like prisoners in cages.
Have you ever truly noticed how emotionally shattered a refugee can be? Have you heard the silence of their unheard voices? They live like birds in a cage—unable to fly, speak, or be free.
Countless Rohingya activists, diaspora leaders, camp-based organizations, youth leaders, elders, and women have tirelessly tried to make their voices heard by international institutions such as the ICC, ICJ, and OIC. But the world often listens without responding. Is it not the responsibility of these international bodies to ensure equal justice for vulnerable communities like the Rohingya? If not—then what is the purpose of international justice at all?
Alhamdulillah, a proud and inspiring moment has arrived in the academic journey of Mohammed Ayub Khan, a dedicated student of Life Destination High School in Camp-6, Kutupalong Refugee Camp, Bangladesh. Through unwavering commitment and relentless hard work, he has reached a remarkable milestone — achieving Distinctions in all six subjects in Grade-12 for the academic year 2024–2025.
As the academic year came to an end, Ayub Khan waited anxiously for his results. The examinations had been tough, but his focus and perseverance never wavered. When the results were finally announced, his efforts were rewarded — he was named the top student in his grade and recognized across the entire Refugee Camp in Bangladesh.
This outstanding accomplishment brought him not only immense pride but also deep personal satisfaction. It stands as a shining example that with hard work, perseverance, and faith, anything is possible. His academic success reflects countless hours of study, self-discipline, and the resilience to overcome every obstacle in his path.
Mohammed Ayub Khan is a new arrival from Kyet Yoe Pyin, a village in the northern part of Maungdaw, Arakan State, Myanmar. He completed his earlier grades in Myanmar before continuing his education in the refugee camp. He expresses his heartfelt gratitude to Life Destination High School for providing a supportive and nurturing learning environment that enables him to grow, learn, and thrive.
Looking ahead, Ayub Khan is filled with hope and ambition. He dreams of pursuing higher education, including university studies, to become a role model for his community. He believes that his success can be the first step toward building a brighter future — not just for himself, but for all Rohingya people.
He humbly calls upon the international community to provide greater access to higher education for Rohingya students so that they too can contribute meaningfully to society and realize their full potential.
“The most exciting moment for students — the release of final exam results! Our Life Destination High School students are celebrating their achievements, sharing joy, and cherishing this memorable day.”
Words by Anuwar Sadek and photos by Rj Sayed Nur
Rohingya refugees gathered in hope of repatriation during the visit of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Dr. Muhammad Yunus to Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
Photo: Rj Sayed Nur
The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group in the northwest of Myanmar, have long endured persecution and oppression. For decades, the Burmese government has subjected them to violence and denied them basic human rights, including access to education, healthcare, employment, and freedom of movement.
Historically, the Rohingya were recognized as one of Myanmar’s 136 ethnic groups, living peacefully alongside the Rakhine people in Arakan State. However, as a minority, the Rohingya faced growing hostility, particularly from the Rakhine community. False accusations and discriminatory attitudes led to their increasing marginalization. These claims were widely accepted by the Burmese government, which resulted in the systematic denial of the Rohingya’s rights and, eventually, the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of people in 2017.
During a recent visit to Bangladesh, UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced that the United Nations would engage with the Arakan Army AA to negotiate the safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya refugees currently in Bangladesh.
However, many refugees have raised concerns about the role of the Arakan Army in the repatriation process.
” Once, the Rakhine people were not part of the Arakan Army but were supporters of the Burmese government. They used hatred, discrimination, and false accusations to strengthen the Burmese government’s power to deny us equal rights. They also created magazines against our people and distributed them to their generations to instill deeper hatred toward us. The Burmese government took this seriously, and as a result, the Rakhine people gained more favors.” Nurul Haque shared his point
Nurul Haque also added that the Burmese government’s trust in the Rakhine people crumbled under the Arakan Army’s dominance. This became the greatest lesson the Rakhine community taught the Burmese government.
Rohingya refugees seek justice from the world and call for a safe return to their homeland.
Photo: Rj Sayed Nur
Md Nur, another refugee, shared his view that the Rakhine community manipulated the Burmese government to further their own agenda.
“Once the Arakan Army was weak, they used the term “Rohingya,” but when they became strong enough to defend themselves, they started calling us “Bengali.” “
He said. “They are our primary enemy, and we cannot accept any repatriation process that puts us under their control and their main focus is to exclude us from our original homes.”
Mohammed Saber, a Rohingya student, emphasized the importance of international intervention for any successful repatriation.
“It will not be possible to repatriate Rohingya refugees from the Bangladesh refugee camps unless the United Nations intervenes and deploys forces to Arakan State. It is crucial for the international community to take concrete action to establish a safe zone in northern Arakan, Myanmar, rather than relying solely on negotiations with the Arakan Army.”
While there is hope for the repatriation of the Rohingya refugees, many recognize that this process cannot proceed without the proper protection and security guarantees. International action is necessary to ensure that the refugees can return to their homeland safely and with dignity, without being subject to further persecution.
#Arakanarmy #Repartriation #UNforces #homes #safereturn #Arakanstate #Myanmar
Words by Mohammed Anuwar and Photos by Anuwar Sadek
The Rohingya refugee community is facing a dire humanitarian crisis as food rations have been slashed from $12 to just $6 per person. This drastic cut is not merely a funding issue—it is a direct consequence of the escalating global climate crisis. Extreme weather events are disrupting aid supply chains, reducing global food production, and worsening the already fragile conditions in the refugee camps. Here’s how the climate crisis is impacting our community and why urgent action is needed:
1. Climate Disasters Disrupting Aid Delivery
Flooding and Landslides
Heavy monsoon rains frequently wash away roads, damage infrastructure, and make it nearly impossible for aid trucks to reach the camps.
Violent storms disrupt supply chains, delay food shipments, and leave the community even more vulnerable to hunger. Extreme heat and prolonged droughts are reducing global food production, increasing food prices, and making it harder for aid agencies to meet refugees’ needs
2. Global Food Shortages and Rising Costs
Climate change is devastating agriculture worldwide, causing crop failures and supply chain disruptions. Food prices are skyrocketing due to droughts, floods, and extreme weather, forcing humanitarian organizations to reduce aid budgets.
As a result, Rohingya refugees now receive just $6 in rations per person—barely enough to survive.
3. The Impact on Rohingya Refugees
Families are skipping meals or surviving on inadequate nutrition, leading to widespread malnutrition. Malnourished children, pregnant women, and the elderly are at high risk of illness, while weakened immune systems make diseases spread faster.
4. Broader Consequences of Ration Cuts
Desperate for survival, many are at risk of exploitation, child labor, and human trafficking. Scarce resources are fueling conflicts within the camps, further destabilizing an already fragile situation.
5. A Call for Immediate Action
The international community must recognize the climate crisis as a direct cause of worsening refugee conditions.
Immediate funding is needed to restore food rations and prevent further hunger-related deaths.
Long-term solutions must include climate resilience strategies, sustainable aid distribution, and stronger global commitments to refugee rights
Conclusion
The ration cut from $12 to $6 is not just a statistic—it’s a life-threatening reality. The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat; it is here, and it is pushing the Rohingya community to the brink of survival. We urge the world to act now before it is too late. Our lives depend on it.
” An insightful article by Mohammed Anuwar, a young Rohingya climate change activist working in the UNHCR environmental sector and also a grade-12 student of our Life Destination High School.”
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.
Life Destination School 