Rohingya Refugees Launch First Examination Board to Secure Children’s Future

By: Hafizur Rahman, Camp Correspondent

In a historic step to secure the future of their children, Rohingya teachers across Bangladesh’s refugee camps have established the first Examination Board of Rohingya Refugees.

Launched on April 19, 2025, the initiative aims to standardize education, organize formal examinations, and issue recognized certificates for Rohingya students, marking a major milestone in the community’s struggle for educational dignity.

Since fleeing genocidal violence in Arakan State (Rakhine) in 2017, the Rohingya refugee community—now numbering over one million in Bangladesh—has faced an ongoing education crisis. Overcrowded classrooms, a shortage of trained teachers, lack of resources, and unstable learning environments have severely hampered children’s development.

Speaking to Rohingya Khobor, Mr. Foyazul Alom, Headmaster of Wisdom Tree High School and Vice Chairman of the Examination Board, emphasized the urgency behind this effort:

“For nearly eight years in exile, we watched our children study without any formal recognition. Without a proper system of assessments, they struggled to qualify for higher education or future opportunities. Through the Examination Board, we can now provide standardized exams, valid certificates, and a path toward a brighter future. We will continue inviting all community-based high schools that provide education in the camps to join this effort, and we sincerely appreciate those who have already participated.”

Mr. Foyazul further added that 53 community-based schools—including primary, middle, and high schools—have already joined the Board. The body will oversee all examination processes, evaluate answer sheets, and officially announce results to ensure greater transparency and quality assurance.

Khin Maung @ Mohammed Rofique, another leading organizer, echoed the sentiment:

“We developed this Examination Board to prevent generation loss. For too long, our children studied in limbo—without assessments, without recognition, without hope. Now, we are building a system that acknowledges their efforts and empowers their future.”

Until now, most Rohingya students in the camps had no access to recognized certificates, leaving them unable to pursue higher education or vocational training. The Examination Board offers structure, dignity, and hope to thousands of young learners eager to reshape their destiny.

Soyed Ullah, a Grade 9 student at Life Destination High School, shared his excitement:

“Before, we studied hard but had no certificates to prove our learning. Now, with this new system, I feel hopeful. I want to study higher and achieve my dreams—and this certificate will help me.”

For students like Soyed, the Board represents more than exams—it symbolizes recognition, motivation, and opportunity.

A retired Rohingya teacher praised the initiative, stating:

“This effort will bring enormous benefits for our community. It will motivate our children, recognize their hard work, and open doors for future possibilities.”

While this community-led initiative showcases the resilience and determination of the Rohingya people to reclaim their basic right to education, education activists caution that sustainable success will require greater support from humanitarian organizations, governments, and international bodies.

As the Rohingya continue their struggle for survival and dignity, the Examination Board stands as a powerful reminder: even amidst displacement, education remains a beacon of hope.