A Rohingya historian, educator and author, born in Maungdaw in 1950, who has spent more than five decades documenting Rohingya history, defending Rohingya identity and advocating for Rohingya rights. A teacher in Arakan for 15 years, he went into exile in Bangladesh in 1985, served as Secretary General of the Arakan Rohingya National Organization (ARNO), and helped found and lead schools in Chittagong. He has published more than 100 articles on Rohingya history, law, politics and identity, and books including A History of the Rohingyas to 1948.
Five decades of recording Rohingya history
Master Aman Ullah is one of the most respected living historians of the Rohingya people. Born in 1950 in Maungdaw, Arakan (Rakhine State), Myanmar, he has spent over five decades documenting Rohingya history, defending their identity, and advocating for their rights through education and writing.
He began his career as a teacher after graduating from the Rangoon Teachers’ Training Institute (1969–1971) and served in various schools in Arakan for 15 years, eventually becoming a Senior Assistant Teacher. He later completed a Bachelor of Arts, a Diploma in Education, and obtained legal certification as a Higher-Grade Pleader.
In 1985, he moved to Bangladesh and became active in the Rohingya movement in exile. He served as the Secretary General of the Arakan Rohingya National Organization (ARNO) and remains involved in Rohingya political efforts as a Central Committee member of the Arakan Rohingya National Alliance (ARNA).
Beyond activism, Master Aman Ullah is best known for his historical research and writing. He has published over 100 articles on Rohingya history, law, politics, and identity, and authored key works such as:
- The Citizenship Issue of Rohingya and Myanmar’s Policy of Denationalization (2023)
- A History of the Rohingyas to 1948 (Second Edition, 2024)
He is among the first to trace Rohingya historical roots to early Muslim settlements in Arakan during the 8th century and has documented major historical events including the 1942 Rohingya massacre, colonial-era policies, and post-independence marginalization.
In exile, he was founder member and Executive Director of International School & College (ISC), Chittagong; Managing Director and Founder Principal of Full Bright International School, Chittagong and Principal of Scholar School Chittagong, and contributed to community platforms like the Rohingya Post and Rohingya Language Foundation.
Master Aman Ullah’s work is widely respected for its scholarly depth, historical accuracy, and unwavering commitment to truth. His contributions continue to shape how Rohingya history is recorded and remembered, both within the community and internationally.
