Bradford is set to make global history by becoming the first city in the world to establish a permanent memorial to the Rohingya people, honouring their suffering, resilience, and ongoing fight for justice. 

The ground-breaking initiative is being led by Councillor Habib Rahman, an independent Newcastle councillor, human rights advocate, and Newcastle’s first Muslim Lord Mayor.

The memorial will be unveiled on 25th of August 2025. Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day will stand in Bradford Council’s Peace Garden, serving as a lasting symbol of remembrance, education, and solidarity. It is the result of a powerful collaboration between Bradford City Council, the British Rohingya Community (BRC), and the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK).

At the heart of the project is Cllr Habib Rahman, founder of Rohingya Action North East (RANE). A long-standing advocate for Rohingya rights, Rahman has spearheaded efforts to support the community both in the UK and abroad. 

Under his leadership, RANE has built a maternity clinic in Cox’s Bazar refugee camps, provided educational opportunities for young Rohingya women, delivered humanitarian aid during Ramadan and winter seasons, and responded to emergency crises such as floods and extreme weather.

Now, RANE is turning its focus to education and public awareness, developing an educational resource pack on the Rohingya genocide to be distributed in schools, community centres, and public institutions across the UK.

“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.”

The memorial has received widespread support from community leaders and Rohingya representatives.

Jasmin Akter, a football and cricket coach and former refugee, shared “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. I want to thank Cllr Rahman – his compassion and leadership have given voice and strength to our story.”

Tun Khin, President of BROUK, praised the project as a historic achievement “Every Rohingya family has lost loved ones. This memorial recognises our pain and our pursuit of justice. We thank Cllr Rahman for his visionary leadership.”

Nijam Uddin, General Secretary of the BRC, said “Bradford is where we found safety and a chance to build a future. This memorial cements our identity and offers hope for generations. Cllr Rahman has not just advocated for us, he has delivered something truly historic.”

Nur Huda, Chair of the BRC, added “This is more than a memorial. It’s a declaration that we exist, that we belong, and that we will not be forgotten. Thanks to Cllr Rahman, our vision has become reality.”

As the world’s first permanent Rohingya memorial, Bradford’s tribute sends a powerful message – one that honours the past while inspiring a more just future. It reflects the city’s longstanding commitment to human rights and its role as a place of sanctuary, inclusion, and solidarity.

On the 25th of August, when the memorial is unveiled, Bradford will not only honour the memory of the Rohingya people – it will take its place in history as a city that stood up, spoke out, and led with compassion.