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Ahtaram is a multifaceted professional with roles spanning research, journalism, education, social work, and project management, primarily aimed at advocacy and capacity building. His advocacy efforts center around the Rohingya community, with a deep focus on human rights and combatting human trafficking.

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Born in 1996 in Odaung village, located in Southern Maungdaw, Rakhine state, Ahtaram faced unique challenges as the youngest son in his family due to his father's absence. His father, a theologian and Islamic scholar, left for Saudi Arabia in 1997 and was unable to return to Myanmar until 2014 when his mother successfully reunited with him in Saudi Arabia. His mother, a remarkable woman, worked tirelessly to provide an education for Ahtaram and his siblings despite the obstacles imposed by the Myanmar government during their schooling years.

 

Ahtaram's dedication to education is evident throughout his trajectory. He taught in a government middle school in his village from 2014 to 2017 and continued his educational pursuits post the 2017 Rohingya crisis. After relocating to Bangladesh, he taught at Knowledge Garden Academy. In 2022, he earned a degree in political science through an online undergraduate program at Yangon Cosmopolitan University. He later received a UNHCR scholarship to complete online courses and further enriched his academic credentials with a diploma in Critical Thinking and Analysis Skills at Brac University. His dedication to education led him to work as a peace-building and social cohesion researcher with BRAC University. Currently, he facilitates the Language, Image, and Analytical Thinking program at OSUN Refugee and Host Community-led Research Hub at Brad College in the US, part of the Open Society University Network.

 

An advocate for Rohingya youth empowerment, Ahtaram founded a Rohingya youth club and holds pivotal roles at the Rohingya Community Development Campaign. He oversees editorial content and supports project activities at Rohingyatographer Magazine. He also contributes as a senior cultural researcher, storyteller and organises cultural programs at the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre, an IOM initiative. 

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Ahtaram's poetic prowess is evident in his contributions to the anthology "I am a Rohingya." A prolific writer, his articles are published in renowned platforms like The New Humanitarian, Amnesty International, Dhaka Tribune, The Diplomat, Reuters, and others. He currently has a poetry book awaiting publication.

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In Ahtaram's words, “My dedication to social work and peace-building underlines my advocacy for marginalised communities and youth empowerment. My aim is to leverage my voice and skills for a just, equitable society.” 

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See below a list of his contributions and published works:

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2024

Pivot Quebec: Rohingya: the survival of a language in exile

BBC. Jersey exhibition to show life in the Rohingya refugee camp

The New Humanitarian. Rohingya trapped in the middle of Myanmar’s escalating conflict

The New Humanitarian. After the latest blaze in their lawless refugee complex, Rohingya ask: Where’s the support?

 

2023

Daily Star. Why the Rohingya seek hope across high seas

Dinkum Journal of Social Innovations (Vol. 2 No. 09). Human Trafficking and the Rohingya Migration: Understanding the experiences of Vulnerable Refugees

The New Humanitarian. Why Cyclone Mocha should end talk of sending Rohingya like me home

Daily Star. Prioritise the Rohingya’s safety and well-being

Dhaka Tribune. Where is our protection?

The National. Tens of thousands of Rohingya protest over ration cuts and forced repatriation claims

Courrier. The wish for peace of Rohingya refugees struggling to revive their lost memory and culture

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2022

Amnesty International. Bangladesh: “Engage with us to find a durable solution”

The New Humanitarian. For us Rohingya, fire is just the latest danger. Stop ignoring us

The New Humanitarian. Why we Rohingya want to save our refugee-run schools

PalGrave, Macmillan. Masks of Authoritarianism: Hegemony, Power and Public Life in Bangladesh

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2021

Dhaka Tribune. Farewell Comrade Mohibullah

The New Humanitarian. Life at disaster’s edge: What it means to start over – again and again

Dhaka Tribune. The Rohingya and Palestinian crises, compared

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2019

ARC Publications. I am Rohingya

Wattpad. Sorrow