At 15, a Rohingya girl survives the killing of her entire family by Myanmar military forces and begins a new life in Bangladesh refugee camp, carrying the pain of profound loss.
By Noor Salma
Freelance storyteller
Aziz Tahera was 15 years old when violence took almost her entire family from her. The daughter of Md. Taher and Humaira Begum, she was originally from Kyan Daung village in Myanmar. As violence intensified, her family was forced to leave their home. They first fled to Moidaung and later travelled to Sittwe, moving from place to place in search of safety.
Aziz lives with a physical disability that makes it difficult for her to walk or sit without assistance. Her family was more than a source of love. They were the people who helped her with everyday life, protected her and cared for her. When the family was forced to flee, they remained together and tried to keep Aziz safe.
On the night of 23 May 2026, at around 2:00 a.m., the family was preparing to return to Moidaung. Near the coastal area of Barizza Para, they were preparing to board a boat to escape the violence. Because Aziz could not move without assistance, the boatmen helped her board first. According to Aziz's account, a boatman took her from Sittwe to Ara Paran, and from there she was taken onward to Moidaung.
As the remaining family members prepared to board, the weather suddenly deteriorated. Strong winds swept through the area and lightning illuminated the sky. According to Aziz's account, Myanmar military junta forces spotted the family and opened fire.
Seven members of Aziz's family were present, four women and three men. Six were killed in the attack. One child initially survived but was later also killed. According to Aziz, her family members were killed by Myanmar military junta forces as they were attempting to escape the violence.
Aziz was the only member of the family who was taken to safety by the boatmen. She was carried away from the scene while the people who had cared for and protected her were left behind. In a matter of moments, the family that had been her greatest source of support was almost completely gone.
Her grandfather later arranged for Aziz to travel by boat from Moidaung to Bangladesh. She eventually reached safety and is now living in Camp 06, Block C07. But safety could not restore what she had lost.
Today, Aziz spends much of her time lying on her bed because of her physical disability. At 15, she is living with the trauma of losing almost her entire family and the painful memories of the night they were killed. The people she depended on for care and support are no longer beside her.
Aziz survived, but her survival carries a devastating cost. She was forced to leave behind her home, her family and the life she knew. Now, far from Kyan Daung, she carries the memory of those she lost and the unanswered pain of a family destroyed while trying to escape violence.