By Ahtaram Shin and Pan Thar
Najimul's family, consisting of nine members, lives in the remote village of Hetailla Para (Italia), far removed from the world's advancements and largely unaware of the turmoil enveloping their country. The family subsists on the meager earnings of his father, Abdul Boshor, who toils daily to keep his family afloat.
"We are not aware of what is happening in our country and city," Najimul explains, highlighting the isolation and vulnerability that many Rohingya families experience.
The peace of their simple lives was shattered on the night of June 14th, when the Arakan Army (AA) ordered the villagers to flee under cover of darkness. Moments later, Italia village was plunged into chaos as drones, bombs, and heavy artillery rained down. Amidst the assault, Najimul's family joined the panicked exodus, braving torrential rain to seek refuge in a neighboring village.
The nightmare continued on August 5th and 6th, when Najimul and his family were caught in a massacre at the border. Over 200 people were killed in the brutal attack by the Arakan Army. Among the dead were Najimul's aunt and her five-month-old infant, both of whom were slaughtered in front of his eyes. Najimul himself, along with his father and another aunt, suffered severe injuries.
"It was the worst experience of my life," Najimul recalls with a pained expression. "My father and I were badly injured, while my aunt and baby cousin lay dead on the wet ground, covered in flies."
From 6:30 PM on August 5th until the following day, Najimul and his family clung to life in the chest-deep waters of the Naf River, their wounds bleeding and their hopes dimming with each passing hour. As dawn broke, they managed to board a rudderless boat, placing their fate in the hands of Allah. "I lost consciousness, and my father took me to the shore and brought me to Bangladesh," Najimul recounts, his voice heavy with the weight of that harrowing journey.
Now in Bangladesh, Najimul stands at the 7th Genocide Commemoration, a symbol of resilience and a voice for justice.
"It is a positive experience to be able to speak out about what we suffered and seek justice from international justice mechanisms," he says.
Najimul's story is a stark reminder of the ongoing suffering of the Rohingya people in Arakan, a powerful testament to the atrocities committed that continue to demand accountability.
The Plight of Rohingya Newcomers in Bangladesh
The struggles faced by the Rohingya do not end with their escape from violence. Today, many Rohingya newcomers in the camps of Bangladesh face enormous challenges, with little to no support from the host country or humanitarian agencies. The AFAD Turkish field hospital and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) are the only clinics providing treatment to these survivors. The mental health of these individuals is dire, as nearly every family has endured loss, physical injuries, and trauma. Yet, there is no emergency psychosocial support available to them.
Some Rohingya youth have managed to collect funds from their community to provide temporary relief, but these efforts are woefully insufficient. The dire need for medical treatment, shelter, clothing, and food supplies remains unmet, while NGOs and the Bangladesh government seem to overlook this growing crisis.
A Call for International Intervention
The Rohingya community urgently appeals to the international community for shelter, humanitarian assistance, and medical treatment for these newcomers. They plead with the UNHCR and the Bangladesh government to issue temporary ID cards to allow movement within the camp and access to emergency support. Currently, some injured individuals have been admitted to hospitals in Cox's Bazar through MSF, but their family members are unable to join them due to movement restrictions.
Moreover, news reports indicate that the government has arrested many legal gold shopkeepers who fled, seizing their property and detaining them. The Rohingya people are requesting international intervention to secure their release and the return of their confiscated property.
Both the newcomer victims and long-established refugees are urgently calling for emergency support and meaningful dialogue with the Myanmar government to ensure the safe return of the Rohingya. They also urge the UNSC (United Nations Security Council) and human rights organisations to investigate the crimes committed against the Rohingya by the Arakan Army and the Myanmar Military Junta.
Najimul's voice, along with those of countless others, demands to be heard. On this 7th Genocide Remembrance Day, their stories are a powerful reminder of the atrocities that continue to unfold in Arakan. The international community must not turn a blind eye; justice and humanitarian support are needed now more than ever.