By: RO Maung Shwe
Overcoming Hardship Through Strength and Discipline
For many Rohingya youth, life in the refugee camps is marked by struggle and uncertainty. Amid the challenges of displacement, poverty, and limited opportunities, some have turned to fitness and bodybuilding as a means of empowerment.
Gym training not only provides an outlet for physical well-being but also serves as a source of mental strength and community bonding.
The Story of Mohammed Rafique: A Rohingya Fitness Enthusiast
Meet Mohammed Rafique, a dedicated Rohingya individual widely known for his communication skills, kindness, and open-minded nature.
Originally from Ngan Chaung village in the northern part of Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar, Rafique is the son of the late Iqbal, a well-respected businessman in the region.
His family was among the wealthiest in the village, and their influence extended to the local community.
Rafique completed his matriculation at Maungdaw High School. His family hoped he would pursue higher education and engage in community service, much like his father.
However, due to educational restrictions on Rohingya students, he was unable to fulfill that dream.
Despite this, Rafique continued to serve his community by teaching at the local government high school in his village.
Forced to Leave Home
In 2017, the Myanmar military launched a brutal ethnic cleansing campaign against the Rohingya, which included mass killings, sexual violence, and the destruction of villages.
Rafique and his family witnessed a nearby village being burned to ashes and saw innocent people arrested and imprisoned without cause.
Many of his father’s friends were targeted and detained. Fearing for their lives, his family made the painful decision to flee Myanmar.
After arriving in Bangladesh, Rafique and his family initially avoided the refugee camps, renting a house instead to maintain their dignity.
However, tragedy struck when his father, who had been suffering from diabetes, passed away due to the stress and loss of their ancestral home.
His elder brother later returned to Myanmar to take care of their remaining properties, while Rafique stayed behind in Bangladesh with his relatives.
Discovering Fitness and Gym Culture
While visiting Chittagong, Rafique was encouraged by local friends to join a gym. Initially, it was a casual attempt to keep himself occupied, but he soon developed a passion for fitness and bodybuilding.
Using his family’s resources, he trained intensively and transformed his physique. Later, when he moved to the refugee camp, he connected with the local community and inspired many young Rohingya to take an interest in fitness.
Recognizing his influence, a local Bangladeshi individual, upon Rafique’s encouragement, opened a gym near the camp.
Rafique worked there as a trainer for three years, guiding and mentoring Rohingya youth on physical fitness. In Myanmar, Rafique was also a well-known footballer, playing as a center defender.
His athletic background helped him adapt to the fitness world quickly, and he used his platform to educate others about the importance of physical health.
Fitness in the Rohingya Community
Despite facing multiple challenges in the refugee camps, Rafique remains the only Rohingya individual working as a gym fitness trainer in Bangladesh.
He continues to guide young people on fitness, though his time is limited due to business engagements and his involvement with Rohingya football teams.
He emphasizes that fitness is crucial not only for a well-built body but also for mental well-being, disease prevention, and overall health.
Currently, many Rohingya youths are enrolled in local gym centers, even though they must pay fees to participate.
Rafique has personally mentored many of the young bodybuilders in the community. An estimated two to three hundred Rohingya youth are actively involved in bodybuilding and fitness training under his guidance.
Voices from the Community
Mohammad Faisal, one of the gym trainees, expressed his thoughts: “In Myanmar, we never had access to gym facilities.
Many people suffered from various illnesses due to poor fitness and lack of awareness. Maintaining a stable weight and proper diet is essential for physical and mental well-being.”
Another gym-goer, Monzur Alam, added: “Keeping fit is essential for everyone to prevent diseases and maintain a healthy body. We pay monthly fees to access the gym, but many young people who wish to join cannot afford it due to financial struggles.
If the UNHCR or IOM took the initiative to establish gym centers in each camp, many would benefit from it and avoid preventable health issues.”
Rafique’s Vision for the Future
Reflecting on his journey, Rafique shared: “In Myanmar, I dreamed of expanding my father’s business and serving my community, but unfortunately, I couldn’t achieve that. Now, I have started a small fashion business to sustain myself. As a displaced person, it is difficult to plan for the future.
Rohingya people have many dreams, but we are unable to fulfill them. Right now, I am observing the situation. In the refugee camp, we cannot pursue our aspirations fully, but we must keep hope alive.
I also dream of becoming a professional fitness trainer and competing in international bodybuilding competitions.”
Conclusion
Rafique’s journey from a privileged life in Myanmar to a fitness trainer in Bangladesh highlights the resilience and determination of the Rohingya community.
Despite losing his home, family stability, and financial security, he found a way to rebuild his purpose through fitness.
He continues to encourage Rohingya youth to prioritize physical health, especially as non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and heart conditions become increasingly common in the camps.
He firmly believes that a gym is not just a place for building muscles but an essential space for maintaining both physical and mental well-being.
Unfortunately, no gym facilities exist within the refugee camps. Rafique hopes that humanitarian organizations will take the initiative to establish at least one gym center per camp, helping combat lifestyle diseases and improving the health of young Rohingya refugees.
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