By: RO Maung Shwe
Shahjahan Bibi, a 12-year-old Rohingya girl, dreams of sharing her heartfelt story with the world. Born to Abu Taher and Hasina Begum, Shahjahan belongs to a poor family that has faced unimaginable hardships in Myanmar. Her story is a testament to the resilience and determination of Rohingya refugees who continue to hope for a better future despite extreme adversity.
A Childhood Marked by Violence and Loss
Shahjahan’s family endured brutal violence in Myanmar, where the military junta, in collaboration with NaTaLa Rakhine civilians, targeted the Rohingya community. When the military invaded their village, the residents were gathered in one place. The soldiers separated young people and women, inflicting severe harm on children and committing heinous acts of violence. Shahjahan herself was among those thrown into a pond during the military attack. Women in her village were subjected to abuse, and many young men were imprisoned under false accusations.
After the military left, Shahjahan’s parents found her near the pond, traumatized and injured. The family’s suffering did not end there. Shahjahan lost two of her siblings—her eldest sister and one of her brothers—who were killed by the military. Fearing for their lives, the family made the heart-wrenching decision to flee to Bangladesh to escape further persecution.
Struggles in the Refugee Camp
Life in the refugee camp has not been easy for Shahjahan and her family. Her father, who was once a farmer in Myanmar, now works as a laborer, often traveling outside the camp for days or months to earn a meager income. Despite his hard work, his earnings are barely sufficient to meet the basic needs of their family of eight. One of Shahjahan’s elder brothers is enrolled in a private school, which requires a monthly tuition fee of one thousand taka, adding to their financial strain.
Dreams of Education and Faith
Despite these challenges, Shahjahan and her younger sister, Ashorafa Bibi, remain determined to pursue their dreams. Both sisters aspire to memorize the entire Quran and receive a formal education. However, limited resources make regular schooling nearly impossible.
“We aspire to receive formal education and become Hafiz-e-Quran, but the financial burden makes it difficult,” Shahjahan shares. Her sister, Ashorafa, who has a physical disability, is equally committed to achieving her goal of becoming a Hafiz-e-Quran. Every morning and evening, under their mother’s guidance, the two sisters dedicate themselves to studying. Shahjahan has completed reading the Quran seven times, while Ashorafa has finished five readings.
A Family’s Unwavering Faith
“We pray and hope that one day we will be able to memorize the entire Quran under the guidance of a qualified Hafiz. Our parents always encourage us to keep faith and never give up on our dreams,” Shahjahan concludes with hope in her voice.
Their story reflects the resilience, hope, and determination of Rohingya refugees. Despite facing violence, loss, and poverty, Shahjahan’s family remains committed to education and spiritual growth. Their unwavering dreams of pursuing knowledge and memorizing the Quran symbolize the strength of the human spirit in overcoming adversity.
