by Ro Maung Shwe
The Rohingya community is mourning the passing of Ro Abdur Rahman, a respected youth leader, educator, and community volunteer, who died on Tuesday night at around 9:00 pm while undergoing medical treatment.
On 4 January 2026, Ro Abdur Rahman fell seriously ill and was urgently referred to CGT Private Hospital. His treatment required nearly one million Bangladeshi taka, prompting an outpouring of support from the Rohingya community and well wishers. Hundreds of individuals actively helped raise funds, while many others contributed what they could, reflecting the trust, respect, and affection he had earned through years of service. Despite these efforts, he passed away during treatment, leaving the community in deep grief.
A life dedicated to service and education
Ro Abdur Rahman was a Central Executive Committee member of the Rohingya Youth Association and served as Director of Community Support at the RAR Research Institute. He was widely known for his dedication to youth empowerment, voluntary work, and community development.
He worked as a teacher at a community high school in Camp 10 and also served as an educator with a non governmental organization. Through education and awareness work, he inspired many Rohingya youth to pursue learning, leadership, and service despite the hardships of displacement.
Colleagues and students described him as brave, kind hearted, disciplined, and deeply committed to ethical community leadership. He also completed a diploma in research from a Rohingya led research institution and was actively involved in community based research initiatives.
Roots and personal life
Ro Abdur Rahman was 28 years old. He was the son of Abdus Salam and the father of a young son. He was a resident of Balukhali Camp 10 in Cox’s Bazar and was originally from Kullong village in northern Maungdaw Township of Arakan State in Myanmar.
His journey from his homeland to life in exile never weakened his resolve to serve his people with dignity, integrity, and compassion.
A lasting loss for a generation
His passing is being felt as a significant loss for the Rohingya community, particularly at a time when committed, educated, and principled youth leaders are urgently needed. Many said his legacy will continue through the students he taught, the youth he mentored, and the community initiatives he helped build.
Following his death, community leaders, youth groups, educators, and Rohingya media platforms expressed their condolences, honoring his life and contributions. The widespread mourning reflects the deep impact he had across the community.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Jannatul Firdaus, and give patience and strength to his family, colleagues, and all those mourning his loss.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji‘un.
