The European Rohingya Council (ERC) and the Rohingya community are deeply saddened with the devastating news of the death of distinguished Al-Hajj Maulana Kari Arshad Hussain.

On January 18, Al-Hajj Maulana Kari Arshad Hussain passed away at the age of 105 leaving behind his loved ones in Balukhali Refugee Camp, Bangladesh.

Al-Hajj Maulana Kari Arshad Hussain was born in Oudaung Village, South of Maungdaw, Arakan (Rakhine) State of Myanmar, was considered one of the highly respected religious scholars in the community.

He was forced to flee at the height of Myanmar Military’s campaigns of genocide against Rohingya in August 2017. He has taken refuge in Balukhali Refugee Camp.

Al-Hajj Maulana Kari Arshad Hussain was the main reciter of Al-Quran on Burma Broadcasting Service (Burma’s National Radio) which ran Rohingya Language Programme from 1961 to 1965 under the Burmese Socialist Program Party (BSPP) in Yangon. He was also a guardian of many prominent Rohingya human rights activists and religious scholars.

Al-Hajj Maulana Kari Arshad Hussain has dedicated his entire life in the cause of Rohingya. Despite his age and ailment, he has taught the religious teaching and retold the story of peaceful Burma to Rohingya refugees. His loss will leave a void in our fight for justice, equality, safety and freedom.

Al-Hajj Maulana Kari Arshad Hussain will forever remain as a part of the Rohingya history and struggle.

The European Rohingya Council sends its deepest condolences to Al-Hajj Maulana Kari Arshad Hussain’s family, students and followers. May Allah grant him Jannah and bestow his family with the strength and courage for the greatest loss.