Cox’s Bazar, July 16, 2025 | By Hafizur Rahman
For the first time since the 2017 genocide forced them across the Naf River into exile, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have launched a landmark internal election process to establish their own representative body. The initiative, entirely led by Rohingya community members, marks a historic step toward reclaiming political voice and preparing for a dignified return home with rights and recognition.
The elections began at 9:00 AM on Tuesday in Zone 6, which includes Camps 14 (Hakimpara), 15 (Jamtoli), and 16 (Dhofiullah Kata). This new democratic process is being conducted under the supervision of Rohingya community leaders, with formal approval from the Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) of the Government of Bangladesh.
“Whether it becomes an election or a selection depends on the number of candidates, but the system is in place. We have made preparations to make our voices heard through a legitimate structure,” said Mohammad Sayodullah, a respected community leader from Camp 16.
A Structure Rooted in Representation
The initiative divides the 33 refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar into eight administrative zones. Within these zones, over 3,500 community-nominated representatives are participating in the multi-stage election process. The goal is to elect 500 zonal councillors, from whom 30 to 40 members will be selected to form a central committee for civil society rights.
Once formed, this committee is expected to serve a three-year term and represent the Rohingya community in regional and global platforms, including the United Nations, ASEAN forums, and international human rights bodies. The leadership roles within the council will rotate, ensuring shared governance and inclusion.
This is the first attempt to establish a formal Rohingya civil structure in exile, one that reflects both internal diversity and collective political aspiration.
Inclusive Electoral Model
To ensure wide-ranging representation, the election structure incorporates 14 categories of Rohingya community members, including:
- Youth leaders
- Religious figures (Imams and Madrasa teachers)
- Women leaders
- Teachers and students
- Former village chairmen from Myanmar
- Community-based organization (CBO) representatives
- Block Majhis (camp-level coordinators)
- Businesspeople, traditional healers, elders, and even Rohingya born abroad
Each group nominated 20 to 30 individuals, who then voted to elect 2 to 5 delegates to move on to the next stage. These elected individuals now form the broader electoral body that will select the central rights committee.
“This system is not perfect, but it is ours. It reflects the diversity within the Rohingya community, something we have been denied recognition for, both in Myanmar and in exile,” said a teacher from Camp 15, who was involved in the process.
Bangladesh’s Role: Observers, Not Enablers
The Government of Bangladesh, which continues to host nearly 1.2 million stateless Rohingyas, has allowed the process to proceed, positioning itself as an observer rather than an enabler.
RRRC Commissioner Mizanur Rahman told:
“They [Rohingyas] approached us for permission to form a civil society organisation, and we have approved it. The first round of voting will take place tomorrow in one of the zones. We will remain only as observers.”
For a community that has long been denied the right to organize even basic student unions or advocacy groups inside Myanmar — and has faced tight restrictions inside Bangladesh — this limited space for internal political organization is seen as both significant and overdue.
Beyond the Ballot: A Declaration of Existence
This initiative comes at a time of renewed displacement, deteriorating humanitarian conditions, and rising insecurity within the camps. Yet, the launch of the civil society election reflects an enduring desire among Rohingyas to build legitimate leadership, demand justice, and prepare for a future beyond refugeehood.
“This is not just an election,” said one Rohingya observer from the camp. “It is a declaration — that we still exist, we still organize, and we still fight for justice.”
As many Rohingya continue to flee new violence in Arakan, others remain determined to raise their voices peacefully and constructively — not only to demand basic rights, but to reshape their future on their own terms.
