Mohib Ullah was a Rohingya human rights defender and peace activist who, after the 2017 genocide, co-founded the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights (ARSPH) in the Kutupalong refugee camp in Bangladesh. Called the "Peace Father" by refugees for his calm, non-violent leadership, he addressed the UN Human Rights Council in 2019, met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, and campaigned for the safe return of the Rohingya with full rights. He was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Kutupalong camp on 29 September 2021.
The refugees' Peace Father
Mohib Ullah was one of the most prominent Rohingya human rights defenders of his time. Born in 1971 in Arakan, Myanmar, he spent much of his life advocating for the rights, dignity, and safe return of the Rohingya people.
He held a B.Sc. degree from Sittway University, and in 2010, became the chairman of the Buthidaung Maungdaw Regional Development Association (BMRDA). His activism expanded globally when he began documenting atrocities against Rohingya and writing about their struggle on RohingyaBlogger.com from 2012.
After the 2017 genocide, Mohib Ullah co-founded the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights (ARSPH) in the Kutupalong refugee camp, Bangladesh. It quickly became one of the largest and most organized Rohingya-led civil society groups in exile. Under his leadership, ARSPH worked on education, community organizing, documentation of abuses, and advocating for repatriation with full rights.
He earned the title "Peace Father" from refugees for his calm leadership and non-violent approach. Mohib Ullah became the voice of the Rohingya in key international spaces:
- In March 2019, he addressed the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, calling for justice and safe return.
- In July 2019, he met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where he directly asked what the U.S. would do to help the Rohingya return home with rights and safety.
- In August 2019, he organized a mass commemoration of the genocide anniversary with over 200,000 refugees in Kutupalong refugee camp, Bangladesh.
He rejected armed movements and always insisted that the Rohingya struggle should remain peaceful and focused on truth, rights, and justice. He also worked to unite different Rohingya voices in exile, despite facing internal and external threats.
On 29 September 2021, Mohib Ullah was shot and killed by unidentified gunmen in Kutupalong camp. His assassination was condemned internationally and marked a huge loss for the Rohingya community.
Mohib Ullah's legacy is remembered through his fearless voice, dedication to peace, and tireless defense of Rohingya identity and dignity.
