By RO Maung Shwe
A Journey of Struggle and Resilience
Mr. Gura Mia, a 53-year-old Rohingya man, has lived a life filled with experiences, challenges, and service to his community. Born in Myo Mi Chaung village near Boli Bazar in Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar, he was raised in a respected and prosperous family.
He completed his Bachelor’s Degree from Yangon University in 1992, a rare achievement for Rohingya students at the time. However, his dreams were soon shattered when the Myanmar government barred Rohingya from pursuing further education in the capital.
A Man of Honor and Dedication
“My family was wealthy and owned a lot of property. As the eldest son, I saw both the prosperity of my family and the struggles faced by the poor in our village,” he recalls.
His parents were known for their kindness and generosity, often referred to as the “parents of the village’s poor.” Every year, they contributed to the community, ensuring that the needy could survive even in the toughest of times.
Following family traditions, Mr. Gura Mia was married to his maternal relative, Gulsher Begum, with whom he was blessed by Almighty Allah with seven children, forming a large and loving family.
A Trusted Leader and Civil Servant
Mr. Gura Mia became the first person in his village to work in the local administration department, serving as an office clerk for nearly sixteen years.
He was deeply respected by both villagers and government officials. His role involved writing applications, issuing marriage certificates, providing permission letters, and assisting with other critical documentation.
“I could have earned a lot of money or even been nominated for Upazila Chairman,” he says. “But I didn’t do it for wealth or power. I just wanted to help the people.”
Forced to Flee: A Journey of Pain and Survival
However, life took a tragic turn on August 25, 2017. The Myanmar military launched a brutal ethnic cleansing campaign against the Rohingya, committing mass killings, gang rapes, and other horrific crimes. The international community later recognized these atrocities as genocide.
Like thousands of others, Mr. Gura Mia and his family had no choice but to escape.
“We walked for five long, painful days to reach the Bangladesh border, facing countless hardships and dangers along the way,” he recalls.
Against all odds, they made it to Bangladesh, where the government and local civilians welcomed them with compassion and support.
“I never imagined that we would get the kind of help we are receiving today from the international community,” he expresses with gratitude.
Struggling in the Refugee Camp
Upon settling in the refugee camp, Mr. Gura Mia found work with Mukti Cox’s Bazar, joining an education project as a Burmese language teacher. However, even in this role, the respect and dignity he once had in Myanmar were absent.
“Being a refugee strips you of the honor and respect you once had,” he says. “Even though I am educated and experienced, I am now jobless and without opportunities. I have been left to struggle to support my family due to my age.”
His elder son, still under 18, is unable to work, leaving the entire family fully dependent on humanitarian aid. The World Food Program (WFP) provides basic food rations, but it is barely enough to sustain them.
“Like me, many educated and elderly Rohingya have been denied real opportunities. We face endless challenges—the cost of education for our children, buying clothes, purchasing vegetables, and meeting personal needs. The humanitarian organizations only provide food and shelter, but little else.”
A Hope for Dignity and Independence
Despite the hardships, Mr. Gura Mia remains strong and hopeful. “I am still capable of working. If given the opportunity, I can earn and support my family. I just need a chance.”
Conclusion
Mr. Gura Mia’s story is a reflection of thousands of Rohingya refugees—once dignified individuals, now trapped in camps where their skills and experience are undervalued. His education, leadership, and dedication remain unused, and like many others, he relies on humanitarian aid for survival.
His story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Rohingya people, who, despite unimaginable loss and hardship, continue to hope for a future filled with dignity, opportunity, and peace.
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