By Rohingya Khobor Staff
Shofiqure Rahman, a Rohingya youth activist, writer, researcher, and poet, was born on July 19, 2007, in Nga Yent Choung village, Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar. Like hundreds of thousands of others, he and his family were forced to flee their homeland during the Myanmar military’s brutal crackdown on the Rohingya community in 2017. He has since lived in the Rohingya refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where he has emerged as a voice of hope, resilience, and resistance through poetry, education, and advocacy.
A Childhood Marked by Loss and Determination
Shofiqure’s early life was shaped by deep personal tragedy. His mother passed away when he was just three years old. Following their arrival in Bangladesh, his father abandoned the family six months into their new life in the camps. From then on, Shofiqure was raised by his elder siblings—whose unwavering support helped him survive in the face of instability and hardship.
Despite the many barriers to education in the camps, Shofiqure remained determined to learn. He taught himself, seized every opportunity, and pushed beyond the limits imposed by displacement.
An Unstoppable Academic Spirit
Today, Shofiqure is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the University of the People. His academic journey includes:
- A Diploma in Medical Science (DMS)
- A 2-year Diploma in Academic Research Studies from the Rohingya Academic Research Institute
- A 3-year Diploma in Identity and Politics from the Rohingya Graduation for Hope Institution
- Ongoing work as a part-time teacher and interpreter, contributing directly to his community
His commitment to lifelong learning is also reflected in his participation in several professional certification programs—building a diverse skill set aimed at community empowerment.
The Voice of a People in Verse
Shofiqure is perhaps best known for his remarkable work as a poet—and holds the distinction of being recognized as the first Saino poet in the Rohingya community. This title was bestowed on him by Khemlal Phokhrel, the Nepali poet who invented the micro-poetic form known as Saino.
Through his writing, Shofiqure explores the deeply personal and political—his poetry weaves together themes of genocide, exile, identity, love, grief, and defiance. His two published collections,
- “My Life in a Refugee Camp: Tales of Love and Loss” and
- “Let Me Shine: A Voice from the Ashes”,
offer searing and tender portraits of refugee life.
His poetry has also been featured in international anthologies such as Someday and Whispered Words, and exhibited globally in creative spaces including the “Poems from the Washing Lines” live art installation curated by Qisetna and Rawanee Creatives.
Recognition and Global Engagement
Shofiqure’s creative activism has earned him global recognition. He was nominated for a Peace Award in the Philippines and for the Global Ambassador Changemaker Award 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. These honors reflect his growing influence as a youth leader using literature, education, and advocacy to challenge injustice and shape peaceful futures.
A Vision Rooted in Dignity and Justice
Beyond the pages of his poems and classrooms, Shofiqure envisions himself as a global advocate and educator—a voice for displaced and marginalized communities, rooted in lived experience and academic rigor.
“Poetry helps me speak when words fail. I want the world to hear our story—not just the pain, but the power too.”
Even as he navigates life without parents and with limited material resources, Shofiqure stands as a reminder of what young people can achieve with faith, education, and purpose.
Closing Thought
In a time when refugees are too often spoken about rather than listened to, Shofiqure Rahman is redefining that narrative—line by line, degree by degree. His life is not just an individual success story—it is a collective symbol of Rohingya resilience, a declaration that even in exile, the human spirit can rise and shine.
