Back in Myanmar (previously known as Burma), Badar used to work in agriculture and carpentry to provide education for his children, and he never thought that his life will drastically change.

In August 2017, violence and persecution of the Rohingya Muslim minority witnessed a significant increase, forcing more than 743,000 people to flee their homes, seeking safety in neighboring Bangladesh. Badar and his family had to take a perilous journey through mountains and rivers to reach refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.

“We had to flee so quick. We left rice cooking on the stove, and we couldn’t even take any of our important papers.” This is how Badar started to narrate his story about fleeing home.

UNHCR was on the ground from the onset of the Rohingya displacement situation. We have been providing protection, shelter, food, psychosocial support, health, and education services to the most vulnerable.

Today, Badar’s family lives in Kutupalung refugee camp in Bangladesh, and they are spending their fifth Ramadan away from home, amid need and poverty which have been exacerbated by the Coronavirus pandemic. Now, they are even more reliant on UNHCR’s support for survival.

Zakat contributions received through UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund in the past few years have contributed to the provision of safer shelters that can withstand the Monsoon season. Zakat contributions have also provided Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) for cooking purposes, in addition to hygiene kits that were essential throughout the pandemic.

Badar’s story is about determination and resilience in the face of vulnerability and adversity. He told us: “I can’t predict what happens to us now. I’m only thinking of my children’s future. My life is almost over.”

Before Ramadan ends, you can still dedicate your Zakat (or part of it) through the Refugee Zakat Fund mobile application to help Rohingya refugees in need. 100% of your Zakat will be delivered without deduction of any administrative or overhead costs (which are covered by UNHCR from non-Zakat donations).

If you are donating your Zakat during Ramadan, please remember Rohingya refugee families, like Badar’s. Your donation will protect most vulnerable families and will help them live in safety and work towards a better future for their children. Last year, Zakat and Sadaqah donations received by UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund, including during Ramadan, helped more than 1.2 million refugees and IDPs in more than 13 countries globally. This year #EvertGiftCounts too!