The Story of the Rohingya Football League: Keeping Hope Alive and Promoting Ethical Engagement

By: RO Maung Shwe

Mujibur Rahman, a dedicated Rohingya youth leader, hails from Kyaw Hlay Kha village in Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar. Like many others, his educatioThe Story of the Rohingya Football League: Keeping Hope Alive and Promoting Ethical Engagementn was disrupted by the Myanmar military’s brutal crackdown in 2017, which led to mass killings, gang rapes, and widespread destruction of Rohingya villages and marketplaces. Facing the threat of extermination, Mujibur Rahman and his family fled to Bangladesh, finding refuge in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camps.

Mujibur Rahman founded the Arakan Rohingya Youth Coalition (ARYC) in 2022, determined to create positive opportunities for Rohingya youth. Later, in 2024, he established another organization dedicated to empowering young refugee athletes and promoting ethical engagement through sports—the Arakan Rohingya Football Federation (ARFF). Today, he serves as the President of ARFF.

The Rohingya Football League: A Symbol of Hope

In 2024, the Rohingya Football League was organized under the guidance of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), with the support of TIKA (the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency), the Turkish Red Crescent, and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS).

The tournament featured twelve teams, each named after significant places in Rakhine, symbolizing the players’ connection to their homeland:

1. Fokira Bazar Naymray-1 Football Club
2. Shaheb Bazar Naymray-2 Football Club
3. Taung Pyo Naymray-3 Football Club
4. Boli Bazar Football Association Naymray-4
5. Nakkura Naymray-5 Football Team
6. Kyaw Hlay Kha Naymray-6 Football Club
7. Hashuratha Football Club
8. Merullah Football Club
9. Thing Gana Football Club
10. Mee Kyoung Zay Football Club
11. Taung Bazar Football Club
12. Rathe Daung Football Club

A Tournament that Inspired a Community

Matches were held in Camp-13, Camp-1W, and Camp-4, culminating in the final on March 7, 2024, at Camp-4 Football Field. The championship game between Nakkura Naymray-5 Football Team and Rathe Daung Football Club ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, leading to a penalty shootout where Rathe Daung Football Club emerged as the champion.

The event was supported by multiple local organizations, including Gonoshasthaya Kendra, Caritas, NGO Forum for Public Health, BRAC, SHED, Community Development Center (CODEC), Mukti Cox’s Bazar, Friendship, ActionAid Bangladesh, HMBD Foundation, Muslim Hands, MSI, Gono Unnayan Kendra (GUK), DSK, and Al Khair Foundation.

More than just a tournament, the Rohingya Football League became a powerful expression of hope and resilience. The overwhelming presence of spectators reflected the Rohingya refugees’ longing for community engagement and connection to their homeland.

At the tournament’s conclusion, players took an oath to reject child marriage, human trafficking, drug abuse, and other anti-social activities. Organizers hope that these young athletes will serve as role models, inspiring positive change in the Rohingya community.

Looking Ahead: The 2024-2025 Rohingya Football League

Building on its success, the 2024-2025 Rohingya Football League is set to begin under continued guidance from the RRRC, TIKA, the Turkish Red Crescent, and BDRCS. The league has expanded to feature 16 teams, including:

1. Bandola Football Team
2. Fokira Bazar Naymray-1 Football Club
3. Shaheb Bazar Naymray-2 Football Club
4. Taung Pyo Naymray-3 Football Club
5. Boli Bazar Football Association Naymray-4
6. Nakkura Naymray-5 Football Team
7. Kyaw Hlay Kha Naymray-6 Football Club
8. Seddar Fara Football Team
9. Italia Football Team
10. Hashuratha Football Team
11. Merullah Football Team
12. Inn Din Football Team
13. Thing Gana Football Club
14. Mee Kyoung Zay Football Club
15. Taung Bazar Football Club
16. Rathe Daung Football Club

Matches will take place in Camp-13 and Camp-4, with the first game scheduled for February 11, 2025.

A Celebration of Unity, Sportsmanship, and Community Spirit

The Rohingya Football League continues to foster fraternity, solidarity, and social cohesion, offering the community an opportunity to engage in meaningful activities despite their displacement. The tournament is a source of joy, inspiration, and hope for the Rohingya refugees, proving that even in adversity, they can find ways to uplift their spirits.

Mujibur Rahman and the Arakan Rohingya Football Federation (ARFF) are also developing the Arakan Rohingya National Football Team, which selects dedicated young players and provides regular training to help them represent the Rohingya community on a global level.

The organizers invite supporters, sponsors, and well-wishers to join this initiative in encouraging young Rohingya athletes and strengthening the spirit of unity and resilience in the refugee community.

For more information:

• Facebook Page: Arakan Rohingya Football Federation
• Email: arffofficial56@gmail.com
• WhatsApp: +8801849877361