Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, October 2, 2025 – The Rohingya Youth Storytelling Contest, organized to identify and encourage young citizen journalists, has declared the winners in the written storytelling category. The competition invited authentic survivor stories in the form of narratives and interviews, highlighting the voices of genocide survivors from within the community.
First Prize: Yasmin’s Story by Sujut Ara
Eighteen-year-old Yasmin’s testimony, presented in a question-and-answer interview format, was recognized as the strongest submission. Her account detailed life before 2017, the horrors of August 25, the escape to Bangladesh, and the struggles of life in the camps. Judges praised the piece for its authenticity, balance, and powerful survivor-centered narrative.
Second Prize: Mon Taj Begun’s Story by Maung Solaiman Shah
The second prize was awarded to Maung Solaiman Shah for documenting the testimony of survivor Mon Taj Begun from Tolatuli village. The story captured personal tragedy, including the killing of family members and sexual violence, alongside the broader demand for international justice.
Honorarium Awards
Two additional participants received honorarium awards of BDT 1,000 each for their contributions:
- “The Tears of 2024” by Fayroose Khan, an account of drone strikes and massacres during renewed violence in Maungdaw in 2024.
- “The Last Chance of a Genocide Soul in Tula Toli Village” by Kamal Hussein, a deeply personal account of family loss and survival through fire, forests, and flight.
Recognition of Young Storytellers
Organizers said the competition demonstrated the courage of Rohingya youth in documenting painful memories with dignity. “These stories show that our voices cannot be silenced. Even in exile, Rohingya survivors continue to speak for justice and remembrance,” one judge remarked.
A total of BDT 6,500 has been awarded in the storytelling and interview category.
By honoring these young writers, the contest aims to preserve memory, encourage truth-telling, and inspire a new generation of Rohingya storytellers.
