By Camp Correspondent
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – March 1, 2025
As the holy month of Ramadan begins, Rohingya refugees in the overcrowded camps of Cox’s Bazar prepare to observe fasting despite facing immense hardships.
For the more than one million Rohingya who fled persecution in Myanmar, Ramadan remains a time of deep faith and devotion, but also a reminder of their ongoing struggles in exile.
Since their forced displacement in 2017, life in the refugee camps has been a constant battle for survival. Overcrowded shelters, limited access to clean water, and inadequate healthcare make daily life challenging.
The arrival of Ramadan brings additional difficulties, as many Rohingya long for the days when they could observe the holy month in their homeland, surrounded by their communities and traditions.
Now, they must adapt to life in makeshift shelters, far from the homes they once knew.
Despite these hardships, the spirit of Ramadan remains strong. Rohingya community members gather in the mosques for Tarawih prayers, and families do their best to prepare simple meals for Suhoor and Iftar.
However, the struggles of camp life—lack of employment opportunities, safety concerns, and movement restrictions—cast a shadow over the holy month.
“We used to celebrate Ramadan in our villages with family and friends, sharing food and prayers,” says Noor Alam, a Rohingya elder in the camp.
“But here, everything is uncertain. We have no country, no rights, and no future. Still, we hold onto our faith because that is all we have left.”
Security issues in the camp remain a major concern. Many Rohingya live in fear due to increasing violence, including kidnappings, human trafficking, and other crimes within the settlements.
The lack of legal status and education opportunities for the younger generation further deepens the community’s sense of hopelessness.
As the Rohingya enter another Ramadan in exile, they continue to call for justice and a safe return to their homeland in Myanmar.
Until that day comes, they rely on their faith and unity to endure the struggles of refugee life, hoping for a future where they can observe Ramadan in peace and dignity.
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