The Journey of Mohammad Rafique, Also Known as Ro Maung Shwe: A Rohingya Youth Activist, Writer, and Translator

By: Abu Hubibe

Mohammad Rafique, widely known as Ro Maung Shwe, is a remarkable Rohingya youth activist, writer, and translator who currently resides in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The son of Khla Mia and Daw Rehana Begum, Rafique’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to his community.

Roots in Rakhine: A Family of Leadership

Hailing from Keyariprang village in Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, Rafique comes from a family deeply rooted in community leadership. His late grandfather, Mohammad Amin (Mahadu), was a prominent member of the Furikka group and a respected village leader. Tragically, Mohammad Amin lost his life in a military attack in Maungnama village, a devastating loss that left Rafique’s father orphaned at the age of seven.

Facing immense hardship, Rafique’s family relocated to Buthidaung Township in search of stability. However, a challenging life forced his grandmother to remarry, leaving the children behind. Despite these adversities, Rafique’s father worked tirelessly to support his siblings, enabling one to pursue Islamic studies at the renowned Ahamodiya Madrasa.

Struggles and Displacement

Rafique’s father later achieved significant success in farming but faced financial ruin due to Myanmar’s sudden currency invalidation. The family was further uprooted during the mass exodus of Rohingyas fleeing violence, forcing them to leave behind their land and livelihoods.

Growing Up in the Camps

Born into these difficult circumstances, Rafique faced numerous barriers to education. Yet, upon reaching the camps in Bangladesh, he resumed his studies through private and online classes, driven by an unrelenting determination to succeed.

In 2017, Rafique began his professional journey as a writer, assisting community leaders in data collection. He soon joined Action Against Hunger (ACF) as a Community Nutrition Volunteer, where his dedication earned him a promotion to Team Leader. Over the years, Rafique gained invaluable experience working with organizations such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Gonoshasthaya Kendra, where he currently serves as a Community Health and Nutrition Worker.

Leadership and Advocacy

Rafique’s contributions extend far beyond his professional roles. As a member of the Central Executive Committee under the Youth Empowerment initiative, he oversees youth engagement across 32 refugee camps. He is actively involved in the Rohingya Youth Advocacy Network (RYAN) and serves as a Camp Representative for the Rohingya Students Network (RSN), promoting education and empowerment. Rafique is also the founder and a Board of Trustee member of KYP-YU, a union-based non-profit organization.

A Voice for the Rohingya Community

In addition to his leadership roles, Rafique is a skilled translator, proficient in Rohingyalish and Rohingya Zuban, and collaborates with international organizations to amplify the voices of the Rohingya people. His commitment to documenting and sharing the stories of his community underscores his dedication to advocacy and social justice.

A Beacon of Hope

Mohammad Rafique’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the Rohingya people. His efforts as an activist, writer, and translator continue to inspire others in the refugee camps and beyond, embodying the enduring spirit of a community striving for dignity, justice, and a brighter future.