By Murshid Alam, Founder of the Rohingya Youth Union
My name is Murshid Alam, and I am a 21-year-old Rohingya youth leader, educator, and human rights advocate living in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. I grew up in a community that faced displacement, exclusion, and marginalization. From a young age, I witnessed how lack of access to education, basic rights, and opportunities could limit the potential of an entire generation. But I also saw resilience, hope, and courage among my peers, which inspired me to act.
Driven by this vision, I founded the Rohingya Youth Union (RYU), a network that now engages over 1,000 young people in leadership development, peacebuilding, and community empowerment. Through RYU, I have led youth-led workshops, mentorship programs, and initiatives that equip young people with the skills and confidence to advocate for themselves and their communities. Seeing these young leaders take charge of their own learning and become active voices for change has been deeply rewarding.
I also lead the Roots of Arakan research and documentation initiative, which preserves the history, culture, and stories of the Rohingya people. By promoting historical understanding and dialogue, this work encourages empathy and peaceful engagement between communities, while ensuring that the Rohingya narrative is represented in international forums. This advocacy has allowed me to share our challenges, achievements, and aspirations on global platforms, ensuring that displaced youth are not invisible.
What makes my work unique is its combination of grassroots action with strategic advocacy. I mobilize youth in our communities while also connecting their voices to policymakers, humanitarian actors, and international organizations. I believe that sustainable change comes when young people are empowered to lead initiatives themselves, supported by platforms that amplify their perspectives.
My motivation stems from a firm belief that education and empowerment can transform lives. I have personally mentored dozens of students who were excluded from formal schooling, helping them regain confidence, learn new skills, and envision a future where they can thrive. Each success story strengthens my commitment to serving my community and advocating for youth-led solutions.
Despite the personal challenges of displacement, limited resources, and societal barriers, I continue to find strength in the people I work with and the impact we create together. My goal is to foster a generation of informed, resilient, and courageous youth who can shape their own futures while advancing dignity, justice, and peace for our communities.
Through every initiative, workshop, and dialogue, I aim to inspire hope, empower leadership, and drive lasting social impact. My story is one of perseverance, purpose, and passion—a story that reflects the power of youth-led change even in the face of adversity.