RO Maung Shwe
A Life of Knowledge and Unfulfilled Potential
Hafez Maulana Shafi Ullah is a Rohingya scholar, educator, and community leader whose journey has been marked by dedication, hardship, and resilience.
Born in the northern part of Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar, he pursued both religious and secular education with distinction.
Despite his extensive qualifications and contributions, circumstances beyond his control have denied him the opportunity to fully utilize his knowledge and skills.
A Strong Family Legacy
Shafi Ullah came from a well-respected and wealthy family in his village. His family owned large areas of land and agricultural properties. His eldest brother, Mohammad Younus, was a dedicated Rohingya who served in the government administration department for decades.
His second brother, Amir Mohammad Eliyas, was a successful businessman in Myanmar. His third brother, Mohammad Rafique, was a respected community leader, serving as a high school teacher and later as head teacher (principal) of the village middle school. Like Shafi Ullah, he graduated from Sittway University, majoring in Zoology.
On his maternal side, his uncle served as village administrator for over three decades, while his brother-in-law, Mustafa Kamal, also held the same role.
Another relative, Mg Mg Gyi (also known as Abdu Gofur), was an elected administrator, known and loved for his kind-heartedness and willingness to help the needy.
Contributions to the Community
After completing his studies in Myanmar, Shafi Ullah spent eleven years serving his community. He led Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan for over fifteen years and dedicated himself to teaching both in the village middle school and high school students in private settings, as well as in Islamic madrasas.
Persecution and Forced Displacement
In 2017, the Myanmar military, alongside NaTaLa Rakhine civilians, launched a brutal ethnic cleansing campaign against the Rohingya.
This campaign resulted in mass killings, gang rapes, and the burning of villages, madrasas, and mosques. Innocent people were arrested without reason, subjected to torture, and children were mercilessly slaughtered.
To escape these atrocities, Shafi Ullah and his family were forced to flee. Their home, containing over 15 tons of rice and six motorbikes, was burned to ashes.
They walked for seven days before reaching Bangladesh, initially believing they would return home soon. They rented a house in a local area for a few months before moving into the makeshift refugee camps set up by the Bangladeshi government and military.
Struggles and Survival in Bangladesh
Now, more than eight years later, they remain in Bangladesh. Despite the hardships, the Rohingya community is deeply grateful for the hospitality, kindness, and support of the Bangladeshi government and its people, a generosity that will be forever remembered in Rohingya history.
Tragically, Shafi Ullah’s father passed away in Myanmar before the violence, and his mother died in the refugee camp, heartbroken by the loss of her homeland and wealth.
Despite his qualifications, Shafi Ullah was never given an opportunity to work for the government in Myanmar. In the refugee camp, he struggles to find stable employment to support his family.
The NGO job he once had paid only 10,000 BDT per month, which was barely sufficient for survival. Last year, his brothers arranged his marriage, adding to his financial responsibilities.
Commitment to Education and Social Work
Despite his challenges, Shafi Ullah remains dedicated to his community. In Camp 7 of Kutupalong, he established a community-based school, Rohingya Diamond Life Basic Education High School, where eleven teachers educate Rohingya students. He personally teaches Mathematics and Physics and serves as the acting principal.
Additionally, he actively works with Muhazer Wal Ansaar Madrasa in Kutupalong refugee camp, where he dedicates his time to Islamic education.
A Vision for the Future
Shafi Ullah works not for money but for the betterment of his community, seeking only the blessings of Almighty Allah.
He is deeply concerned about Rohingya youth, many of whom are losing hope, turning to gambling, disobeying their parents, or becoming victims of child labor. Despite not finding a suitable job matching his qualifications, he continues his voluntary work, striving to bring positive change to the Rohingya people.
Conclusion
The story of Hafez Maulana Shafi Ullah reflects the wasted wisdom of a man whose knowledge and dedication remain underutilized due to lack of opportunities. Yet, his resilience shines through.
As he himself says, “I will do my best for the goodwill of my community, Inshallah, until my last breath.”
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