Rohingya refugees from Myanmar

PRAYER NEEDED

Thanks to my frequent readings of posts on LinkedIn, I continue learning a lot about what is happening in the world, trying to send words of encouragement, and developing friendships in many different parts of the world.

There is one person I’ve been talking to who I would like to spend more time with. His story is remarkable. I think you too might find it inspiring:

I’m Niyamot Ullah, a teacher, poet, researcher, and interpreter originally from Rakhine State of Myanmar, with a deep connection to my Rohingya Muslim heritage, a minority that has faced decades of persecution and systemic oppression. In 2017, the genocide against my community forced me to leave my homeland and seek refuge in Bangladesh. Despite the hardships of displacement, I have turned my experiences into meaningful work, focusing on uplifting others, preserving our culture and language, and advocating for justice.

From a young age, I recognized education as a powerful tool for change. Despite facing systemic barriers, I embraced learning as a means of empowerment and have sought to share that gift with others. As a teacher in the refugee camps, I focus on not only imparting knowledge but also fostering a sense of hope and belonging. Teaching in such a challenging environment requires resilience and creativity. I work hard to create engaging, culturally relevant lessons that provide displaced children and adults with the skills to rebuild their lives and envision a future beyond the camps.

In addition to teaching, I am a poet who uses words to give voice to the voiceless. Poetry has been my way of processing the anguish of displacement and the yearning for justice. Each poem I write carries the weight of my community’s struggles and hopes for a better future. Through my poetry, I aim to raise awareness of the Rohingya crisis and foster empathy among diverse audiences. Poetry is not just an art form for me; it is a tool for advocacy and a bridge connecting hearts across cultural divides.

Despite the immense challenges of displacement, I hold steadfast to my vision of returning to Myanmar with dignity, justice, and restored rights.

LATE BREAKING:

This evening Niyamot wrote this note on LinkedIn in response to a deep cut in the refugees’ food rations:

“The recent decision to cut food aid for Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh from $12.50 to an unlivable $6 per month, starting from April 1, 2025, is beyond inhumane. It’s a deliberate act of neglect against a community entirely dependent on aid for survival. For over a million Rohingya, who have been forcibly displaced from Myanmar due to genocide and persecution, humanitarian aid is our only means of survival. With no legal access to work, no land to cultivate, and no stable income, this drastic reduction in rations will push families into hunger and desperation.
Surviving on $6 per month is unimaginable. This amount will just cover 6 days’ worth of food.”

Please pray for these refugees who are experiencing unbelievable hardships. Pray that they will hang onto their faith and find sustenance in it. May they be fed in spirit, even while lacking in so many other ways. May the God they serve give them strength and endurance.

marja