By Ro Maung Shwe
Hundreds of Rohingya families stayed awake late into the night on 12 June 2026, waiting for a single Facebook post that carried extraordinary significance. For students across the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, the announcement would determine the outcome of years of study, sacrifice, and perseverance.
At exactly midnight, the Education Board for Rohingya Refugees (EBRR) published the results of its Grade-12 final examinations on its official Facebook page, triggering celebrations across the camps.
The announcement marked the culmination of months of preparation by students who continue to pursue education despite the many challenges of life in displacement.
Nearly 300 Grade-12 students from community-led schools sat for the examinations approximately three months earlier. According to the published results, 145 students successfully passed.
Among the successful candidates, 45 students achieved distinction, reflecting outstanding academic performance. Of these, 25 students earned one distinction, 13 earned two distinctions, two earned three distinctions, two earned four distinctions, and two earned five distinctions. No student achieved six distinctions this year.
As news of the results spread, families, teachers, relatives, and friends rushed to congratulate the successful students. Community organizations, youth groups, educators, and Rohingya public figures also shared messages of encouragement and appreciation across social media platforms.
For many families, the results represented far more than academic achievement. In a community that continues to face displacement, uncertainty, and limited educational opportunities, the success of these students symbolized hope and the possibility of a better future.
In several camps, parents celebrated their children’s accomplishments through family gatherings and thanksgiving meals. Some families reportedly slaughtered goats or cattle to share their happiness with relatives, neighbors, and members of the community.
Teachers described this year’s results as another important milestone for the Rohingya-led education system, praising the commitment of students and volunteer educators who continue teaching and learning despite limited resources.
Among those celebrating was Shakil Akter, one of the successful candidates.
“Passing this examination is a dream come true for me. Despite many challenges, we never gave up. I hope the international community will help us continue our higher education so that we can serve our people in the future.”
Mujibur Rahman, a student from Kutupalong Refugee Camp who achieved five distinctions, said education remains a source of hope even under difficult circumstances.
“Education has given us hope even in difficult circumstances. We want opportunities to study at universities and develop the skills needed to contribute to our community and humanity.”
Hakmot Ullah, a student from Kutupalong Camp-6 and a graduate of Life Destination Community-Led School who earned two distinctions, said the achievements of Rohingya students demonstrate their untapped potential.
“This result is only the beginning. Many talented Rohingya students are ready to excel if they are given access to scholarships and quality higher education. We hope our achievements will inspire greater investment in Rohingya youth.”
Community leaders and education advocates noted that these achievements reflect years of perseverance under extraordinary circumstances. Despite growing up in refugee camps with severe restrictions and limited educational resources, Rohingya students continue to demonstrate determination, discipline, and academic excellence.
The examination results have also renewed calls for international organizations, humanitarian agencies, educational institutions, and the Rohingya diaspora to expand opportunities for higher education. Many believe that scholarships, vocational training, university admissions, and professional development programs are essential to ensure that talented Rohingya youth can continue their studies and contribute to the future development of their community.
For the Rohingya community, the success of the 2026 EBRR graduates carries significance far beyond examination scores. It stands as a reminder that even in displacement, education remains one of the most powerful expressions of resilience and one of the strongest foundations upon which a future can be rebuilt.
