There are about 10,000 Rohingya refugees in the United States. Yesterday in a report by RTV, the US resident Rohingyas conveyed their gratitude to Bangladesh and described their newfound life.
Los Angeles Rohingya Association leader, Ko Ko Naing thanked Bangladesh and its government for their immense support and contribution. Bangladesh has stood beside them (Rohingya) when no one was there for help.”
Mohammad Arafat, a Rohingya refugee from California told RTV, ” At first I escaped to Thailand, later I escaped to Malaysia. I lived there for 12 years as a refugee. Then I was given UNHCR ID card and I applied for the United States. Here our living standard is pretty high. This country is best for our children’s education and their future. I feel like I’m also a citizen of this country.”
Fuljana Ali, a Rohingya woman who is also living in the US as a refugee shared her thoughts, “For your children’s education and future, America is a better choice. Here, if you work hard, you can be successful by the grace of Almighty. America is a country of opportunity. In this country, your child can be a doctor, an engineer, a teacher or whatever he/she wants. There is no discrimination. If you work really hard, you can be successful.”
But even with all the privileges and a secured future, many Rohingyas miss their home and family. Azim Uddin from Los Angeles, who left his family in Arakan, often recalls his old memories and concern about the present situation of Rakhine. He said, “I’m thankful to Allah because I can live here today. We are grateful to the US Government for providing all the facilities. My parents and siblings lives are in danger cause they are still living in Myanmar. They can’t even escape to India or Bangladesh because our village is far away from the border.”
