“Walk4Hope” Four Champions Embark on an Unprecedented Mission of Compassion for Rohingya Refugees and Gaza’s Children
As dawn approaches over the beaches of Cox’s Bazar, four remarkable individuals are preparing to embark on a journey that few have dared to undertake. After months of planning, training, and fundraising, Foisol Uddin, Anam Hoque, Hussain Ahmed, and Abdal Ahmed are set to begin a 100-kilometre trek along the world’s longest sea beach, driven by an unwavering commitment to those in need. After arriving in Bangladesh two days ago, the team has rested, gathered strength, and, following the Fajr prayers at dawn, will start their journey—a feat no one else has accomplished before.
Their mission isn’t just a physical challenge; it is a statement of solidarity with the Rohingya refugees who have suffered years of statelessness and violence, and with the children of Gaza, who know only a world marked by conflict. Behind these four volunteers lies a powerful network of support. Countless volunteers, especially British Bangladeshi women, have contributed significantly, fundraising and raising awareness. The team is not only inspired by these supporters but also carries the spirit of a colleague—a key team member who could not join due to critical illness. In their footsteps, they carry the hopes and dreams of hundreds of unsung heroes who work quietly behind the scenes, fuelled by compassion and a shared vision of social good.
The Rohingya crisis began in 2017, when Myanmar’s military launched a brutal crackdown on the Rohingya Muslim minority, forcing over 700,000 people to flee into Bangladesh. Today, nearly a million Rohingya refugees live in sprawling camps in Cox’s Bazar, struggling with overcrowded conditions, scarce resources, and limited opportunities. As the world’s focus shifts, international support has waned, leaving these refugees reliant on humanitarian aid that barely meets their basic needs.
For Gaza’s children, the struggle is equally profound. Years of blockades, conflict, and deprivation have devastated their lives. The UN estimates that more than half of Gaza’s population are children who have known nothing but war, poverty, and isolation. Access to basic necessities like clean water, medical care, and education remains scarce, and trauma runs deep. By dedicating their trek to these communities, Foisol and his team are taking a stand, reminding the world of the human cost of these crises.
For Foisol, Anam, Hussain, and Abdal, this mission is more than a physical journey—it’s an expression of their collective will to bring hope where there is despair. Over the past year, they have worked tirelessly, balancing the demands of full-time jobs, personal responsibilities, and an intense training regimen. Their journey has inspired many within the British Bangladeshi community, especially women who have stepped up as volunteers, contributing their time, energy, and resources to make this effort possible.
One member of their team, a close colleague and key contributor, was unable to join due to a critical illness. In many ways, the four who walk tomorrow do so on behalf of hundreds, carrying with them the voices of those who work behind the scenes. These unsung heroes prove that compassion transcends boundaries, and that when individuals unite with a common purpose, even the most formidable challenges can be overcome.
With each step along Cox’s Bazar, this team of four will bring global attention to two of the world’s most enduring humanitarian crises. Their journey is a call to action, urging the world to remember those whose suffering often goes unnoticed. As they walk, they are not only raising funds but also building a bridge of empathy between the people who can help and those who need it most.
As dawn breaks tomorrow, their journey will serve as a powerful reminder that even in a world divided by politics and borders, there are those who will walk the extra mile to bring hope to others. May this walk inspire others to join the mission and remind us all that, sometimes, the greatest journeys are those we take for others.