Bradford is set to make global history by becoming the first city in the world to establish a permanent memorial to the Rohingya people, recognising the genocide and persecution they have faced. The initiative is spearheaded by Independent Newcastle Councillor and human rights activist Habib Rahman, who also made history as Newcastle’s first Muslim Lord Mayor in its 800-year history in 2021.
This historic project is a collaboration between Bradford City Council, the British Rohingya Community (BRC), and the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK). The memorial will not only honour the resilience and suffering of the Rohingya people but will also serve as a powerful symbol of education, remembrance, and solidarity.
The Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, have endured decades of persecution. Stripped of citizenship in 1982 and subjected to systemic violence, their plight gained international attention in 2017 when the Myanmar military launched a brutal crackdown, forcing around 800,000 people to flee to Bangladesh. International bodies, including the United Nations, have recognised these atrocities as genocide.
Bradford has a special place in this story. Between 2008 and 2010, it became the first UK city to resettle approximately 100 Rohingya refugees under the Gateway Protection Programme (GPP). Over the years, the community has grown, contributing to Bradford’s vibrant multicultural identity.
A Community-Led Effort Councillor Habib Rahman, founder of Rohingya Action North East (RANE), has been at the forefront of Rohingya advocacy. Under his leadership, RANE
has:
• Established a maternity clinic in refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar
• Provided educational support to young women
• Delivered humanitarian aid during Ramadan and winter
• Responded to emergencies such as floods and extreme weather
RANE is now expanding its focus to education and public awareness. The organisation is developing an educational resource pack on the Rohingya genocide, to be distributed across schools, community centres, and public institutions. This initiative aims to inform future generations about the consequences of hatred, the importance of historical truth, and the value of standing up for human rights.
In 2023, following years of advocacy, Cllr Rahman, along with BRC Chair Nur Huda and General Secretary Nijam Uddin, secured formal approval from Bradford Council to move forward with the memorial. A series of public consultations in February 2025 engaged the Rohingya community and local residents in designing the Memorial Stone. The £8,000 cost is jointly funded by BRC and BROUK, and the stone is being produced by Nationwide Headstone Company Ltd.
The official unveiling of the memorial will take place at Bradford Council’s Peace Garden on 18 August 2025, coinciding with Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day.
Statements from Key LeadersCllr Habib Rahman shared: “Bradford and the UK are on the verge of making history. This memorial will stand as a reminder that we must never be silent in the face of genocide. It honours the Rohingya struggle and reinforces our shared responsibility to ensure dignity and justice for all. I am proud to lead this effort alongside BRC, BROUK, and Bradford Council.”
Jasmin Akter, Football & Cricket Coach and former refugee, added: “Born in the world’s largest refugee camp, I know what it means to be denied basic rights. Bradford gave me hope. This memorial is for the Rohingya women who suffered horrors beyond words. It is a tribute to their resilience and strength. I want to express my deepest thanks to Cllr Habib Rahman, not only for championing the Rohingya cause, but also for inspiring me personally. His tireless work, compassion, and leadership have given a voice to our people and strength to our story. This memorial wouldn’t have been possible without him, and for that, we are forever grateful.”
Tun Khin, President of BROUK, stated: “Every Rohingya family has lost loved ones. This memorial recognises our pain and our ongoing pursuit of justice. We are proud to support this milestone and thank Cllr Habib Rahman for his visionary leadership.”
Nijam Uddin, BRC General Secretary, remarked: “Bradford is where we found safety, belonging, and the chance to build a future. This memorial cements our history and identity it is a beacon of hope for generations to come.”
“On behalf of the British Rohingya Community, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Cllr Habib Rahman. His unwavering commitment, strategic leadership, and genuine care for our community have been pivotal. He didn’t just advocate for a memorial he stood with us, fought for us, and delivered something historic. Thank you, Cllr Rahman, for everything.”
Nur Huda, BRC Chair, concluded: “This is more than a memorial; it’s a declaration that we exist, that we belong, and that we will not be forgotten. We thank Bradford Council, BROUK, and especially Cllr Habib Rahman, whose leadership has turned a vision into
reality.”
EVENT DETAILS
Official Unveiling of the First Rohingya Memorial in the World
Location: Bradford Council’s Peace Garden
Date: 18th August 2025
Time: 11am formal event (Council Chamber), 12.30 unveiling of the
memorial
