Four Years Without Mr. Mohibullah: A Candle Still Burns in Rohingya Hearts

Arakan Now | 29 September 2025

Four years have passed since the night the Rohingya lost their voice. Four years since bullets silenced Mohibullah, the man who carried his people’s pain, hopes, and history. His absence is heavy, yet his presence lingers in every corner of the refugee camps, in every whispered prayer, and in every tear shed for a homeland left behind.

Mohibullah was shot dead in Kutupalong camp in 2021. His killing shocked the Rohingya community and was seen as a major setback in their struggle for justice and safe return to Myanmar. Before his death, he worked tirelessly to record the stories of Rohingya survivors and present their demands to the world. He often reminded his people: “We have to document everything. If we don’t, our history will disappear, and the world will forget us.”

He also gave voice to their identity, declaring: “We are Rohingya. We are not stateless. We have a state—it is Myanmar.”Fully aware of the dangers he faced, he once said: “If I die, it is okay. I will give my life for my community.”

At today’s commemoration, participants reflected on his legacy and renewed their commitment to his vision.

A leader may die, but his vision lives on, said Mohammad Furquan, who attended the event. “We will continue to support his vision and work to make it a reality. On this day, we didn’t just lose Mr. Mohibullah—we also delayed our repatriation and dimmed the candle of freedom.”

For many Rohingya, his absence remains a deep loss. Yet the gathering showed that his vision of freedom and safe return still inspires the community.

Four years on, Mohibullah's sacrifice is remembered as a symbol of courage. While the struggle for justice continues, his dream of a free and dignified life in Arakan lives on in the hearts of his people.