By: RO Maung Shwe
At 72 years old, Sultan Ahamed stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Born in Moloirzaga, Maungdaw Township in Myanmar, Sultan’s journey has been marked by hardship, betrayal, and unwavering dedication to his community.
Sultan grew up in a middle-class family in Mura Fara, a village near his original home. His family owned land, livestock, and enjoyed a comfortable life until their wealth was stolen by a villager with government ties. This injustice marked the beginning of Sultan’s lifelong struggle.
In 1978, at the age of 26, Sultan and his family fled to Bangladesh as refugees, escaping persecution by the Myanmar government. They lived in a refugee camp for nine months before the Myanmar government negotiated their return, promising safety and stability. However, back in their village, Sultan continued to face threats and attacks. Fearing for his life, he sought to migrate to Saudi Arabia, completing all legal documents. Yet, traffickers deceived him with a fake passport, leading to his deportation back to Bangladesh. He stayed with relatives for several years until his father forcibly brought him home.
Upon his return, Sultan’s parents arranged his marriage, hoping it would ground him in stability. Sultan soon became the father of three children. Despite these personal developments, life in Myanmar remained perilous. A Rakhine chairman betrayed Sultan, accusing him of involvement with a Rohingya militant group and handing him over to the military junta. Accused falsely, Sultan faced near execution. However, during a military inspection, a general, aided by a translator, determined Sultan’s innocence after he explained his travel to Bangladesh was for medical treatment and that the chairman’s accusations stemmed from a personal vendetta. Sultan’s release and safe return to his village were met with shock and relief, as many had believed him to be dead.
In 1991, political unrest forced Sultan and his family to flee to Bangladesh once again. This time, Sultan’s leadership qualities were recognized, and he was chosen as a Chief Majhi (community leader) in the refugee camp. His responsibilities included mediating disputes, advocating for community needs, and maintaining order within the camp. After three years, another repatriation program saw Sultan and his family return to their village in Myanmar.
Back home, Sultan was elected as a Village Chairman Assistant, where he dedicated himself to community service, addressing villagers’ needs and ensuring their safety. However, tragedy struck again in 2017 when the Myanmar military launched violent airstrikes on Rohingya villages. Witnessing the destruction and fearing for their lives, Sultan and his family fled to Bangladesh for the third time. This time, humanitarian organizations and the Bangladeshi government provided immediate support, offering food, clothing, and shelter.
Despite receiving aid, the challenges of camp life remained immense. Sultan’s family struggled with limited resources, and one of his sons was injured during the violence in Myanmar. In October 2024, Sultan suffered another devastating loss with the death of his wife. Left with eight sons and two daughters, Sultan faced the difficulty of caring for himself as he aged. While seven of his sons now live with their families in refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Sultan resides with his youngest son. However, due to the harsh living conditions and his special needs, Sultan largely fends for himself with minimal assistance.
Throughout his life, Sultan has been a symbol of hope and resilience. He has consistently fought for justice and worked towards the betterment of his community, even in the face of unimaginable hardships. His dedication to maintaining peace and harmony in his village and later in refugee camps reflects his unwavering commitment to his people.
Sultan’s journey underscores the ongoing struggles of the Rohingya community and the urgent need for global intervention to address their plight. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the sacrifices made by those who stand up for justice and community welfare.
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