Helal Uddin epitomizes resilience, leadership and an unwavering commitment to the Rohingya community. As a dedicated teacher, youth activist and Myanmar Language Lab Instructor, he has become a beacon of hope for countless marginalized voices. Born on April 3, 1999, in Aung Seik Pyint village, Maungdaw, Arakan State, Myanmar, Helal’s life’s mission has always been to uplift his people and champion the rights of youth and women alike.
In 2017, Helal was forcibly displaced to Bangladesh by the Myanmar military—a turning point that transformed his youthful dream of becoming a teacher into a profound commitment to defend human rights amid systemic persecution. Undeterred by adversity, he rose to become the Secretary General & Spokesperson of the Rohingya Aid & Empowerment Network, where he continues to amplify the voices of the oppressed.
Helal’s impact extends beyond activism. He is the founder and principal of a community-based school dedicated to youth empowerment, which now educates 285 students from Grade 1 through Grade 10. His tireless efforts underscore his conviction that education and activism are powerful catalysts for justice, equality and long-term change. Through his leadership, Helal inspires generations to envision and build a brighter, more equitable future
In addition to his educational and leadership roles, Helal is an accomplished documenter and researcher. He has refined his expertise through international training and mentorship under globally respected human rights advocates. His meticulous documentation of human rights abuses—addressing violations by all conflict actors—contributes meaningfully to the Transitional Justice process and broader peace-building efforts. His work sheds light on the experiences of Rohingya victims and witnesses in refugee camps across Bangladesh, ensuring that their stories are heard and their rights defended.
Helal also plays an instrumental role in supporting the Friends In Village Development Bangladesh (FIVDB), an organization that serves approximately 2,195 adolescent girls and employs 55 dedicated female teachers across 50 Community-Based Learning Facilities (CBLFs) and one Myanmar Language Lab in camp 11. Through his role as a Myanmar Language Lab Instructor, he utilizes technology to conduct and manage lab sessions efficiently. More importantly, Helal continues to advocate passionately for women’s rights, encouraging girls and women to pursue higher education, claim their rightful place in society, and become agents of change within their communities.
Through his relentless dedication, Helal Uddin stands as a testament to the transformative power of courage, education, and collective action—a true inspiration for the Rohingya community and beyond.