In Commemoration of Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day (25th August)
by Ro Maung Shwe
On Friday, October 24, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Rohingya Khobor organized a memorable Award-Giving Ceremony to honor the winners and runner-ups of the Writing, Storytelling, and Video Documentary Competition held in commemoration of Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day. The event was a celebration of Rohingya youth talent, creativity, and resilience, aiming to amplify their voices and inspire a new generation of changemakers.
The program hall was vibrant with energy and emotion as teachers, youth activists, community leaders, influencers, and religious scholars from different camps gathered to witness the event. The ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Mv. Mr. Hamidur Rahman, followed by an opening speech from Ro Maung Shwe, representing Rohingya Khobor.
In his address, Ro Maung Shwe explained the purpose of the competition and how Rohingya Khobor organizes such initiatives to empower youth and nurture their talents. He described the winner selection process and management efforts, expressing gratitude to all guests, participants, and supporters who made the event possible.
Throughout the morning, several distinguished guests shared insightful speeches on youth empowerment, the importance of media, women’s participation, and the future role of Rohingya Khobor.
Mr. Khin Maung, a young politician, elected community representative, and Convenor of EBRR, spoke passionately about youth empowerment. “Our Rohingya community is like a broken fence,” he said. “We have suffered for so long, yet the world hardly knows because we lack our own media. Rohingya Khobor plays a vital role, just as Al Jazeera does for Gaza. I urge everyone to support and contribute to RK voluntarily.”
Mr. Imran Mohammed, former Chairperson of Kutupalong Registered Camp and a community rights activist, emphasized the importance of self-representation: “We often rely on outside media to highlight our crisis, and when they don’t, our voices remain silent. We must strengthen our own media and empower our youth to speak for us. Rohingya Khobor has taken a great initiative to shape our youths’ skills.”
Educator and founder of Easy English Center, Mr. Abdur Rahman, reflected on the importance of documentation. “Media is a medium that carries our voices,” he said. “Without proper records, future generations will never know our suffering. Rohingya Khobor plays a crucial role by producing authentic, professional, and verified reports. I encourage all youths to become skilled and involved.”
Community influencer and humanitarian activist, Mr. Younus Arman, praised the dedication of the Rohingya Khobor team. “Let’s all applaud RK for their commitment and authenticity. Even Bangladeshi Army media outlets reference RK’s reports. RK is truly like Al Jazeera for our community. I would like to request RK to expand its team and branches so more people can benefit.”
Young journalist and language activist, Mr. Tawfiq Al Mohsin, described media as the “voice, ear, and eye of a nation.” He added, “Societies are not destroyed by criminals but by the silence of intellectuals. We must speak up and support platforms like Rohingya Khobor that tirelessly serve our community.”
Women’s participation was highlighted by Ro Mujef Khan, a young freelancer and activist. “In Saudi Arabia, women work equally in various sectors — why not us?” she asked. “As the Qur’an teaches, women are the backbone of the next generation. I’m happy to see a female winner today. It shows that with hijab and modesty, women can achieve great things.”
Youth influencer and human rights defender, Mr. Arafath, described the event as “an amazing initiative.” He said, “RK is the only media in our history that provides authentic information and maintains neutrality. The event is wonderfully organized, and the winners are our community’s shining stars.”
Community educator, Mr. Ansar, echoed similar appreciation: “This initiative empowers our young generation and helps the world understand our struggles. Such programs are essential to raise awareness and build skills among our youth.”
Renowned Nansen Award-winning photographer, Mr. Salim Khan, provided thoughtful suggestions for the future. “RK should establish a podcast platform where historians, politicians, and educators can share their thoughts. This will help preserve our culture, history, and collective motivation,” he said.
The excitement of the winners added a special energy to the ceremony. Winner Maung Sulaiman Shah shared his joy: “I’m very excited and honored. This recognition encourages me to continue engaging in media and journalism. RK is the best, and I hope to see more initiatives like this.” Runner-up Anam Ullah, an intermediate student, said, “As a newly arrived refugee, being recognized for my work is a great motivation. My video was based on a true story from Myanmar. Through media, we can share our pain and showcase our talents to the world.”
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates, crests, and cash prizes to four winners and four runner-ups, presented by guest speakers on behalf of Rohingya Khobor. All speeches were recorded and will soon be uploaded to the organization’s official platforms.
The event ended with a heartfelt Dua Mahfil in remembrance of the victims of the Rohingya genocide, followed by light refreshments and informal conversations among participants. The day stood as a proud milestone for Rohingya Khobor — a celebration of youth, creativity, and the enduring power of community-driven media.
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