My Neighbour, My Friend

By Mohammed Aros

I am writing this essay to share how my neighbour became my best friend.

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Mohammed Aros. My parents are Ahmed Kobir and Sayeda Khatun. Including me, our family has ten members. We were forced to flee our home in 2017, and now we live together in the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. I am a student, and I also work as an NGO teacher to support my family.

Many families live around our shelter. Some neighbours are kind and friendly, while others are not. That’s understandable — we come from different parts of Arakan State in Myanmar. Our cultures, behaviours, and ways of speaking vary, and in such an overcrowded place, it can be difficult to live peacefully together. Not everyone is lucky enough to find a true friend among their neighbours. But I consider myself very lucky — because I found one.

My neighbour, Jani Alom, who also fled Myanmar with his family in 2017 to escape the genocide against the Rohingya, is not just the boy who lives next door. He is my closest friend — my partner in laughter and secrets, and a big part of my everyday life.

I first noticed Jani about three years ago, when he was walking to school with his classmates. I was standing by the front gate as my elder brother left for work. There was something about the way Jani looked around with curious eyes that made me feel we could get along. That evening, my mother had made some traditional snacks. I invited Jani over to share them. He smiled shyly when we met. We sat down, talked for a while, and enjoyed the food together. That simple moment marked the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Over time, we discovered how much we had in common. We both love reading poetry, playing football, and exploring our creativity through drawing and painting. Interestingly, Jani wasn’t always interested in art. At first, he used to say he wasn’t good at it. But one day, we were invited to an art campaign. I had always loved drawing, so my artwork turned out better than his. Though he felt a bit disappointed, he told me that my work inspired him. He started practicing regularly, and eventually developed a deep passion for art. Today, he is a talented and professional artist. He often says, “Nothing is impossible — practice makes perfect.”

Our families also became close, often spending weekends together. But what makes our bond truly special is not just our shared hobbies. It’s how we stand by each other through challenges. When I was nervous about my math exam last year, Jani noticed right away. He’s excellent in math and helped me revise every evening after school. Thanks to his support, I passed with flying colours. On another occasion, when his grandmother passed away, I stayed by his side as he grieved. We’ve shared laughter, tears, school projects, and endless stories.

One of the most unforgettable moments in our friendship happened when we were preparing for a visit from UNICEF representatives at our learning centre. There was so much to do — updating registers, creating charts, decorating the classroom. Jani stayed up with me until 4 a.m. to help finish everything. He didn’t just want me to succeed — he wanted us to succeed together. Every day we practiced, encouraged each other, and built confidence. On the day of the visit, I was nervous. Jani smiled, gently squeezed my hand, and that small gesture gave me the courage I needed. The visitors were impressed, and afterward I hugged him tightly and whispered, “I couldn’t have done it without you.” In that moment, I realized just how powerful our friendship had become.

Living next to a friend brings so many joys. We walk to school together, do homework side by side, and have sleepovers almost every weekend. Our parents joke that we are like twins from different families. It’s comforting to know someone so kind, honest, and loyal is always nearby.

What I value most in our friendship is the honesty. We always tell each other the truth, even when it’s hard. If I make a mistake, Jani points it out gently — and I do the same for him. Of course, we’ve had small arguments — over which movie to watch or who should buy snacks — but those never last. We always find our way back to understanding.

In a world where it’s often hard to find trust and connection, I feel truly blessed to have Jani Alom as my neighbour — and my friend. Our friendship has taught me the value of kindness, support, and standing by each other, no matter what. I hope everyone finds a friend like him.