Border News Agency
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh June 8, 2025

Amid the daily challenges of life in the Rohingya refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, the spirit of Eid al-Adha brought rare moments of joy this week, especially for the children.

Throughout the camps, children could be seen playing in the narrow pathways, proudly wearing new clothes purchased by their parents in preparation for the holiday. In a place where hardship is an everyday reality, this effort by parents to make Eid special highlighted their resilience and deep commitment to preserving their culture and dignity.

“This is the happiest day of the year for many children here,” said community volunteer Mohammed Anwar. “Their parents worked hard, saved money, and made sure their children could feel the joy of Eid, just like any other child in the world.”

In many families, parents spent weeks saving what little they could to buy new outfits for their children. For the children, wearing new clothes and playing with friends brought a sense of pride and happiness that transcended their surroundings.

“My son asked for a red shirt this year, and I was determined to get it for him,” said Ayesha Begum, a mother of two. “We may have little, but on Eid we want our children to feel rich in love and tradition.”

More than 1 million Rohingya refugees live in camps in Bangladesh, having fled persecution and violence in Myanmar. While basic needs and humanitarian assistance remain urgent, celebrations like Eid offer important psychosocial relief, especially for children who have grown up amid displacement.

“These joyful moments are vital,” said a local Rohingya activist. “They help the children hold on to hope, culture, and a sense of normal life.”

As the sun set over the bamboo shelters, the sounds of laughter and celebration continued a powerful testament to the community’s strength and the enduring spirit of Eid.