As I entered the TIKA office at the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, the efficiency behind their efforts for the Rohingya refugees stood out. The space reflected order, with health facilities, a library for women and men, and a playground for children. Yet, it was the voices and stories of the people that left an indelible mark on me.
For years, the Rohingya have been depicted as victims -- displaced, helpless, and trapped in a cycle of refugee life. But during my time with the youth, I saw a different story unfolding. These are no longer the children who fled Myanmar’s violence in 2017; they have grown into educated, articulate, and empowered individuals ready to reshape their future. They need the world to listen.
Dreaming beyond borders
One of the first voices I encountered was Saifulla, a 20-year-old English teacher who founded the "Rohingya Youth Advocacy" group. Despite his hardships, Saifulla exuded hope and determination, leading efforts to empower his peers through education. "English is our weapon," he told me. "If we can make ourselves heard globally, we can fight for our rights."
His sentiments echoed those of other young leaders, including Abdullah and Masud. This generation, vastly different from their parents, has embraced education and activism to reclaim their dignity. Their dreams are not of integration into Bangladeshi society, where they feel grateful yet unfulfilled, but of returning to Myanmar, to a life free from the constraints of refugee camps. They know education is the key to making that dream a reality.
A call for global accountability
The frustration of the Rohingya youth is palpable. Seven years after their exodus, international organizations like the UN and the EU continue offering humanitarian aid, but the fundamental problem remains unresolved. The Rohingya are still refugees, with no clear path to repatriation.
"Why hasn’t the world helped us return home?" Masud asked, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "We are not just victims; we are capable, intelligent, and ready to lead. But we need the world to take responsibility for what happened to us."
These young leaders believe international agencies have failed to address the core issue: Ensuring their safe and dignified return to Myanmar. It’s not just a humanitarian failure but a moral one. Their plea is simple yet profound: If the world cannot ensure their repatriation, the least it can do is provide higher education opportunities. A thousand scholarships from Western countries would transform these young leaders' lives and create a ripple effect of positive change for the entire Rohingya community.
Hope amidst tragedy
Their desire for education and self-determination reminds me of the recent youth revolution in Bangladesh. Young students, without political affiliations, toppled the country’s longest-serving government, demanding meritocracy, democracy, and freedom. They fought united by their hunger for change -- and won.
I see a similar fire in the eyes of Saifulla, Abdullah, and Masud. The Rohingya youth are ready to fight for their future, but their battle is not just for democracy. It’s for basic human dignity -- the right to live, learn, and return home.
Education as a path to liberation
One poignant moment during my visit was stepping into the boys' library at the TIKA office. It was a small space filled with books on science, leadership, and philosophy. While most books were in Burmese, the English lessons caught my attention. Saifulla oversees the library, teaching English to his fellow youth, knowing this language will open doors long shut.
“English will make us heard,” Saifulla explained. “It’s been seven years, and it feels like no one is truly listening. Our parents may not have had the voice, but we do. We want to sit at the table with international organizations and the Myanmar government, under the guidance of Bangladesh.”
Their readiness to advocate for themselves is both inspiring and heartbreaking. It should not fall on the shoulders of these young individuals to solve global diplomatic problems. Yet, here they are, standing tall, demanding a future they have every right to claim.
It should not fall on the shoulders of these young individuals to solve global diplomatic problems. Yet, here they are, standing tall, demanding a future they have every right to claim
The Way Forward: A Global Responsibility
It is time for the world to recognize the potential of these young leaders. Empowering the Rohingya youth through higher education will not only change their lives but also offer a long-term solution to the crisis. If countries like the US, Canada, or the EU can offer scholarships to even a fraction of these youth, the impact would be immense.
This is about more than humanitarian aid; it’s about justice. These youth are the future of the Rohingya people, and they are ready to lead their community out of the shadows. As Saifulla said, "We are different, educated, and we think more about solutions than problems."
The world must do more than witness their plight -- it must act. Investing in their education and future will empower them to rebuild a nation torn apart by violence and displacement.
An urgent appeal
In Saifulla's words: "If the world truly cared about us, we would already be home." His words challenge international agencies, world leaders, and each of us. The Rohingya youth are not asking for pity; they are asking for partnership. They want to be heard, and they deserve to be.
Saifulla locked eyes with me, his voice steady yet impassioned: "We appreciate the documentary and the tokens of goodwill from HerNet Foundation, but we need more. Be our voice at the negotiating table. Don’t just talk about us -- bring us into the conversation about our future."
As I left the camp, I reflected on the immense privilege we have -- those of us who can use our voices freely. It is our responsibility to amplify theirs, to ensure their dreams of dignity and freedom are not just heard but realized.
Professor Yunus' speech will likely empower Bangladesh on the world stage, positioning the nation as a key player and co-guardian in Asia’s geopolitical landscape.
Let the youth of Rohingya be the generation that, with global support, reclaims their homeland. Let their story remind us that the fight for human rights doesn’t end with survival -- it begins with the pursuit of a life lived in full dignity.
This narrative embodies my deep commitment to youth empowerment, gender equality, and global justice. As the founder of HerNet Foundation and HerNet TV, I believe stories told with truth and compassion can create real change. My work has always been about creating platforms for the voiceless, and I hope this piece serves as a call to action -- for governments, international organizations, and individuals to step up and support the youth of Rohingya in their quest for education, dignity, and freedom.
Alisha Pradhan is the Founder of HerNet Foundation.