Mir Ahmed Siddique is a Bangladeshi human rights activist based in Saudi Arabia. His video of Burmese security forces kicking and abusing Rohingya villagers rapidly went viral and brought forth a rare admission of culpability by the Burmese authorities.
Published 8th August 2019
What do you think are the main tasks facing Rohingya living in the diaspora?
Education. Rohingyas lack education. The world too must invest more in education in order to solve the Rohingya Crisis. Give them education and they will solve their problems.
The government of Myanmar has deprived Rohingya of higher education. Despite this, they are sharp. Now they need an opportunity to rise up and reach for their goal of achieving “basic human rights”.
Since August 2017, we have seen and heard many statements, resolutions, reports, documentaries, speeches, analyses etc. about the crisis. Care to mention any as noteworthy?
No not really. Everything is flatly denied by the Myanmar government. They have not admitted to the mass carnage or anything. I was impressed that a video I myself posted went viral within minutes. The link is here. https://youtu.be/OvxgnJfFzXo - This clip soon became breaking news everywhere and changed perceptions about what was really happening to Rohingya unobserved.
Which book in the last 5 years has made an impression on you?
Only the Quraan!
What dream job would you like to have?
I no longer dream of a dream job. Rather I dream of a peaceful land for Rohingyas which I can see before my last breath.
Would you care to share a happy childhood memory?
Actually I am happy to say that I have many happy memories. I am one of two sons - the younger one. I was a good boy, and I remember I always felt happy whenever the school announced our exam results because I was always one of the kids with the best grades!
What is currently your main worry about the Rohingya struggle?
The Rohingya can be derailed if the crisis remains unresolved. This is problematic and dangerous for all - for Rohingya, for Myanmar and for neighboring countries too. And the world will come to regret this unfinished business.
Who is your hero?
Only Prophet Mohammad (SAW).
Find Mir Ahmed Siddique here.
Credits:
Image is a screen capture from the viral video mentioned in the interview. Views expressed are entirely those of the interviewee and not necessarily those of FRC. FRC has not been involved in editing the interview. Queries to interviews@freerohingyacoalition.org