Young Rohingya discussed political participation, education, cultural preservation and the conditions for return as they called for a greater role in decisions shaping their community’s future.
by Hafizur Rahman
- Young Rohingya discussed political participation, education, cultural preservation and the conditions for return as they called for a greater role in decisions shaping their community’s future.
- Protecting Rohingya Identity
- Education and Youth Leadership
- Political Organisation and the Question of Return
- ‘Not Only the Future’
Cox’s Bazar, 24 August 2026: Rohingya youth leaders, educators, activists and community members gathered in Cox’s Bazar on Monday for a youth-led forum focused on the rights, responsibilities and political future of a generation growing up in displacement.
The Rohingya Youth Forum 2026, held under the theme “Remembering Our Journey, Shaping Our Future,” created a dedicated space for young Rohingya to discuss issues including education, leadership, cultural preservation, political organisation, community initiatives and repatriation.
The forum was organised by the Rohingya Youth Advocacy Network and the Rohingya Youth Union, two Rohingya youth-led community organisations.
RYU had announced that around 40 Rohingya youth leaders would participate in the August 24 gathering as part of a two-day programme marking nine years since the mass displacement of 2017.
Unlike many consultations where refugees participate primarily as beneficiaries or invited participants, organisers said the forum was designed and led by Rohingya youth themselves.
The gathering reflected a growing demand among young Rohingya to participate directly in decisions concerning their community rather than having policies on education, humanitarian assistance, political representation and return developed without their meaningful involvement.
Protecting Rohingya Identity
Poet and translator Ro Anamul Hasan spoke about the importance of preserving Rohingya culture, history, language and traditions.
He emphasised the responsibility of younger generations to protect and transmit Rohingya identity at a time when prolonged displacement has separated much of the community from its homeland.
For many young Rohingya who have spent much or all of their lives in refugee camps, cultural preservation has become closely connected to questions of belonging and the future of the community.
Community activist Abdullah Arakani focused on the responsibilities of Rohingya youth during the continuing crisis, arguing that young people should become active contributors to their communities rather than remain outside discussions affecting their future.
Education and Youth Leadership
Human rights activist Imran Mohammed discussed the barriers Rohingya face in accessing higher education and called for stronger community-based approaches to creating educational pathways for students.
Formal higher-education opportunities remain extremely limited for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, leaving many young people with few options after completing available secondary-level learning.
Photographer and journalist Ro Yassin Abdomonab addressed youth participation in decision-making, arguing that young Rohingya need meaningful roles in institutions and discussions that directly affect their lives.
The issue has become increasingly important as children who fled Myanmar in 2017 reach adulthood and another generation grows up entirely in displacement.
Political Organisation and the Question of Return
Youth activist Ali Jinnah discussed the need for stronger Rohingya political organisations and greater dialogue around common political interests.
His presentation came amid wider discussions over Rohingya political representation and who should speak for a community divided between refugees in Bangladesh, Rohingya remaining in Arakan and a growing international diaspora.
Sahat Zia Hero, a photographer and Gen-Z spokesperson, addressed repatriation from the perspective of Rohingya youth.
He emphasised that any return must reflect Rohingya aspirations and include guarantees of safety, dignity and rights.
Rohingya refugees have repeatedly said they want to return to their homeland, but have demanded recognition of their Rohingya identity, citizenship, freedom of movement, security and access to their homes and land before repatriation can be sustainable.
Youth activist Syedul Mostafa also highlighted the role of Rohingya-led community organisations in turning youth initiatives into practical action.
‘Not Only the Future’
Following the presentations, participants held an open dialogue in which young Rohingya shared views and recommendations on the issues raised during the forum.
Organisers said the discussions were intended to move youth participation beyond symbolic representation and provide young people with opportunities to challenge ideas, develop proposals and contribute to community priorities.
The forum took place on the eve of August 25, when Rohingya communities mark nine years since Myanmar military operations forced more than 700,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh in 2017.
Nine years later, a large part of an entire Rohingya generation is reaching adulthood in refugee camps with restricted access to formal education, livelihoods, movement and political participation.
Against that background, the message emerging from the forum was that Rohingya youth do not want to be regarded only as a future generation waiting for others to determine what happens next.
They are seeking a role in shaping those decisions now.
Thank you, Rohingya Youth Advocacy Network and Rohingya Youth Union, for creating this important platform for Rohingya youth. We are not only the future we are part of the present, and our voices deserve to be heard in decisions about our education, leadership, rights, and repatriation.
As a Rohingya youth, I believe our identity, culture, and history must be preserved, and our return to Arakan must be safe, dignified, voluntary, and with full citizenship and rights. Together, we will continue to raise our voices for justice, accountability, and a better future for our people.