By Mohammed Sayad (Ro Shatu)
Edited by RB Hafizu
At just 11 years old, Mohammed Shahad is already thinking about the future of his people. A Grade 7 student living in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, he dreams of becoming a leader who can help his community achieve peace, equality and unity.
Shahad lives with his family in the refugee camps, where educational opportunities for Rohingya children remain limited. Despite these challenges, he continues to study, read books and learn new things, hoping to build a future in which he can make a difference.
He is the youngest boy among six siblings. His father is Mohammed Ayas, and his mother is Toyoba Begum.
Shahad was born in Kha Maung Seik, Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar, a region many Rohingya refer to as Arakan. According to his family, he was only 18 months old when they were forced to leave their homeland.
Because he was so young when his family fled Myanmar, Shahad has little personal memory of that time. Much of what he knows about his birthplace and his family’s displacement comes from the stories his relatives have shared with him.
Since then, he has grown up in Bangladesh, experiencing the realities of life as a Rohingya refugee. Living in the camps has shaped his understanding of the difficulties facing his community and influenced the future he hopes to build.
A dream shaped by his community
For Shahad, becoming a leader is not simply about holding a position or gaining recognition. He wants to help people, create opportunities for others and promote equal rights.
He also believes that unity among Rohingya people is important for building a better future. He hopes to see his community stand together, support one another and work towards common goals.
The challenges he sees around him have strengthened his determination to contribute to positive change. Rather than allowing the difficulties of camp life to discourage him, he wants to use his education and knowledge to help others when he grows up.
Although he is still a child, Shahad is already thinking beyond his personal ambitions. His dream reflects a desire to see his community enjoy greater opportunities, dignity and a peaceful future.
“I want to become a future leader of our Rohingya community,”
Shahad said.
Education as the foundation of leadership
Education plays an important role in Shahad’s plans. He enjoys reading books and learning new things, and he understands that education can help him develop the knowledge and skills needed to become a responsible leader.
However, studying as a Rohingya refugee presents challenges. Limited educational opportunities in the camps restrict the choices available to many young people, including their chances of pursuing further education abroad.
Despite these barriers, Shahad remains committed to his studies.
His teacher, Mr Kamal, describes him as a talented and hardworking student who takes his education seriously.
“Shahad is a talented boy. He is hardworking and always tries to study,” Mr Kamal said.
The encouragement of his teacher is important as Shahad continues to work towards his goals. For a young student with ambitions to serve his community, education is not only a way to improve his own life but also a foundation for helping others in the future.
Family support strengthens his ambition
Shahad’s family also plays an important role in encouraging his dreams. His elder brother, Rohim Ullah, 19, says the family will continue to support him as he works towards his goals.
“We are here to support him whenever he needs us,” Rohim Ullah said.
He explained that he wants to do his best to help Shahad pursue his ambitions, with support from the family.
Having people who believe in him gives Shahad encouragement as he faces the uncertainties of growing up in a refugee camp. Although the road ahead may be difficult, his family’s support can help him remain focused on his education and personal development.
Hoping for a more united future
One of the changes Shahad most wants to see is greater unity among Rohingya people. He believes that a stronger sense of togetherness can help the community overcome challenges and create better opportunities for future generations.
For him, leadership means listening to people, understanding their difficulties and working towards solutions that benefit the community. He hopes that, one day, he will be able to play a role in bringing people together and promoting peace and equal rights.
His dream is ambitious for a child of 11. Many years of learning and personal growth lie ahead, and the restrictions facing Rohingya students may make his journey difficult.
Yet Shahad continues to focus on what he can do today: study, read and learn.
His story is a reminder that the ambitions of Rohingya children extend far beyond the circumstances in which they are growing up. Even in displacement, children continue to imagine futures shaped by education, opportunity and hope.
For Shahad, becoming a leader is not simply about personal success. It is about helping his people move towards a future where they can live with peace, equality and unity.
At 11, he cannot yet know where his journey will lead. But his determination to learn and his desire to serve his community have already given his dream a clear direction.
