Arakan News Agency | Exclusive
Five Rohingya representatives were chosen after elections were held inside refugee camps in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar on Saturday.
The elected people are 4 men and one woman from Maungdaw and Buthidaung cities in Arakan state, western Myanmar and are expected to lead the civil society and represent Rohingya internally and internationally.
Mr Syedullah, Mr Jahangir Alam, Mr Khin Maung, Mr Shoaib (widely known as Mo Showife) and Mrs Sajeda will, according to the agreed framework, share leadership equally through a rotational system, with each serving as President for a six-month term. The first rotation has already commenced under the presidency of Mr Syedullah.
Observers note that the rotational model provides both stability and fairness by preventing domination by any single group. It also strengthens collective decision-making unity and accountability in addressing the needs of over one million Rohingya refugees currently living in Bangladesh.
Community members have described the development as a historic moment for the Rohingya, many of whom have been denied political rights and representation for decades. Social media platforms were filled with congratulatory messages pride and renewed hope from Rohingya youths and activists, highlighting the significance of inclusive representation.
The first phase of elections was held in some camps last July to select 500 councilors from across the camps. 30 to 40 of these councilors will be selected to form a central committee for a three-year term, with a rotating committee of chairpersons.
The committee’s primary objective is to serve as the official voice of the Rohingya people in global forums, including UN platforms, international human rights conferences, and regional policy dialogues.
More than one million Rohingya refugees live in Bangladesh in the Cox’s Bazar area, which the United Nations classifies as the world’s largest refugee camp. They fled Myanmar following a genocidal campaign waged against them by the Myanmar military in 2017. Their displacement increased following renewed fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (Arakan Army) in November 2023, which has resulted in violence, displacement, and forced recruitment.
