The ‘Rohingya issue’ does not occupy the headlines of printing media and breaking news of the electric media as it used to be three years ago. Many other burning issues of the world have engulfed the plight of Rohingyas. In addition, due to pandemic, many international NGOs workers/volunteers have returned to their respective countries. But the life has remained almost the same for more than one million refugees, who fled their country just to save their lives.
I have heard, read and watched a lot of documentaries,
interviews, news items about the Rohingya refugees’ camps in Bangladesh.
Recently, I was fortunate to visit the camps and have a first-hand experience
of their plights.
A sudden proposal
It did not take a moment to give my consent when I was
asked to go to Rohingya refugees’ camps to conduct some training programmes for
the volunteers, who work among the refugees. I was also told that some of the
training programmes would be held in the camps itself. I was eagerly waiting to have a first-hand
experience of the life of camps.
The journey begins...
Initially, I was given two days to train 18 volunteers who are directly responsible to oversee the works at the camps. It was rather interactive sessions. I allowed the participants to share their experiences of the camps. Every participant had unique experiences to share. I learnt a lot from their sharing.
On the first day at the camp
As our car entered into the camps, I could see the
faces of thousands of people. The children, mostly half-naked were playing
together. Many elderly people were sitting together. Many stared at us when
they heard the horn of our car. Our car stopped in front of a centre. Some children
gathered around us. Their innocent faces spoke a lot to me. I had no words. I
just looked at them. I tried to feel their presence...
Conducting training for Rohingya volunteers
I had a translator who helped me to communicate. I
began my session by asking the positive changes they notice in the camps. To my
utter surprise, many have shared the positive aspects of the camps. They were
quite happy with the material things that they receive from different
organizations. Many have shared their aspirations and dreams for the future.
Sir when will the camps’ centre be opened?
As I proceeded from one camps to another with some
officials, many children approached to us and asked, “when would be the centre
reopened?” (These centres are constructed to facilitate informal education). I
had no answer to give them.
Planting the trees
Keeping in mind the year of ‘laudato si’ we planted some saplings in all the centres. This was very symbolic gestures to build the future together.
The words of Pope Francis...
I have spent six full days at the camps. Apart from the training programmes, I took this opportunity to around. While walking alone, I was often reminded the words of Pope Francis. Pope Francis on his maiden visit to Bangladesh, referred the word ‘Rohingya’ as the presence of God. This was perhaps my sentiments while I was in the camps. I could feel the presence of God...
