By: Abu Hubibe
In the heart of the world’s largest refugee camp, an 18-year-old Rohingya youth is leading the fight against climate challenges. Mohammed Anowar, officially recognized by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), has become a symbol of hope and resilience within his community.
As the only climate activist among the Rohingya refugees, his work focuses on protecting the environment, addressing pressing climate issues, and empowering his community to prevent future disasters. His journey from a peaceful life in Myanmar to the refugee camps of Bangladesh highlights his unwavering determination to bring positive change despite immense challenges.
Early Life in Myanmar
Born to Abdu Razak, a respected Islamic scholar with over 12 years of experience teaching Arabic, and Ismat Ara, Mohammed Anowar grew up in a peaceful and prosperous household. In Myanmar, he had the freedom to pursue his studies and dreamt of higher education and becoming a climate activist.
However, this peaceful life was shattered by the escalating persecution of the Rohingya people. In 2016, the Myanmar military intensified its campaign of violence—burning homes, committing mass killings, and systematically violating human rights. Mohammed’s dreams of a bright future were replaced with uncertainty. Despite these challenges, he continued his studies in community-based schools within the refugee camps.
In 2017, following the military’s brutal campaign in Rakhine State, Mohammed and his family were forced to flee Myanmar. Leaving behind their comfortable and successful lives, they sought safety in Bangladesh. Adjusting to life in the refugee camp brought new challenges, but Mohammed remained determined to pursue his education and fulfill his dreams.
Activism in the Refugee Camps
Since arriving in Bangladesh, Mohammed has been working as a volunteer with Plan International, where he engages with the community on critical issues such as child marriage, child labor, human trafficking, and gender-based violence. He conducts courtyard sessions with youth, community leaders, and Imams to spread awareness and promote solutions to these pressing problems.
In addition to his community work, Mohammed’s passion for environmental preservation has led him to address climate change issues within the camps. Recognizing the poor environmental conditions in the refugee settlement, he began mobilizing the community to create a cleaner and safer environment.
A Global Climate Activist
Mohammed’s work as a climate activist has gained international recognition. In partnership with UNHCR, he is officially working on a global scale to advocate for climate action. He is also a finalist in the prestigious Young Climate Prize 2024, competing against 25 global climate activists. This competition, organized annually by a global climate advocacy organization, supports 150 other climate-focused initiatives worldwide.
Reflecting on his journey, Mohammed shares:
“When I was in Myanmar, I lived in a safe and natural environment. However, after fleeing to Bangladesh as a refugee, I experienced the challenging conditions of the camp, especially regarding climate change. I noticed that the environment was neither clean nor well-maintained, so I decided to start working on improving and developing it. I made a thoughtful decision to work with the community to create a safer environment around the camps.”
Inspiring Others
Through his work, Mohammed has become a role model not just for the Rohingya community but for global youth. His story is featured on a dedicated UNHCR website, inspiring others to take action on climate issues.
Despite the immense challenges he has faced, Mohammed Anowar continues to strive for a better future, dreaming of pursuing higher education and furthering his impact as a climate activist.
