Painting Hope in Cox’s Bazar Rohingya Refugee Camps

A photoessay by Ro Harez Khan

Paint by Enayet Khan that describes the voice of Rohingya

In the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, children and youth are using art to express themselves, preserve their culture, and imagine a future beyond displacement. With limited resources but strong determination, young Rohingya artists are transforming pencils, paper, and paint into tools of hope.

Mohammed Anos is a young artist

Mohammed Anos is a 12-year-old Grade 5 student with a remarkable talent for drawing landscapes. Despite growing up in a crowded refugee camp, his artwork reflects peace and freedom, mountains, rivers, trees, and wide open skies.

“When I draw mountains and rivers, I feel like I am free,” Anos says. “One day, I want to become a big artist and show my drawings to the world.”

Anos practices daily, proving that creativity and ambition can grow anywhere, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Asom Khan drew his home of Arakan.

Asom Khan, a deaf and mute Rohingya artist and photographer, communicates through visual art. His paintings and photographs capture everyday life in the camps traditional homes, markets, and memories of his homeland in Myanmar.

“Art is how I speak,” Asom shares through gestures and visual expression. “My pictures show my life, my people, and my memories.”

Known for his vibrant colors and attention to detail, Asom’s work demonstrates that disability does not limit creative potential and that art is truly a universal language.

Young artists such as Shohim Fatema, Rumajan, and Rumana regularly practice drawing together, often sitting on the ground and sharing limited materials.

“We don’t have many colors or papers, but we help each other,” says Shohim Fatema. “When we draw together, we feel happy and strong.”

Their collaboration shows that meaningful learning does not require studios or expensive tools, only creativity, encouragement, and community.

Azim Ullah, a 16-year-old aspiring artist, is deeply committed to becoming a professional artist. For him, art offers joy, emotional balance, and direction.

“When I draw, my stress goes away,” Azim explains. “Art gives me hope and helps me focus on my future.”

Through consistent practice, Azim is developing technical skills and discipline, showing how creative passion can guide young people toward positive life goals.

Drawing art by sitting outside the shelter.

Across the camps, Rohingya girls are increasingly engaging in art education and creative activities. Drawing and painting support emotional well-being, concentration, and self-expression while helping preserve cultural identity.

“Art helps girls speak without fear,” says one community art facilitator. “Through drawing, they gain confidence and believe in themselves.”

Through creativity, Rohingya girls are building skills, confidence, and hope for a brighter future.