The Parliamentary State Secretary of Germany’s Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Johann Saathoff, visited DW Akademie’s ongoing project in the Rohingya camps of Cox’s Bazar on 28th October, 2025, Tuesday.
The visit took place at a listener club session of Palonger Hota (Voice of Palong), a popular radio magazine that highlights stories from the Rohingya and host communities. The program is implemented by Young Power in Social Action (YPSA). Supported by DW Akademie and funded by BMZ (Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung).
Ms. Barbara Schäfer, Head of Division for Policy Issues of Cooperation with Asia and South Asia at BMZ, also accompanied the Parliamentary State Secretary during the visit. They were joined by Mr. Ulrich Kleppmann from the German Embassy, along with Mr. Mainul Islam Khan and Ms. Mafia Mukta, representatives from DW Akademie. From YPSA, Mr. Md. Shahidul Islam, Head of Rohingya Response and Deputy Director; Mr. Md. Harun, Focal Person; Mr. Shihab Jishan, Project Manager; Mr. Mohammed Morshedul Hoque, Finance and Admin Officer; and other project team members were also present during the visit.
During the session, Mr. Saathoff sat among 16 Rohingya listeners and experienced a full 30-minute broadcast of Voice of Palong. Afterward, he discussed with them their thoughts about the program’s content and their daily challenges in camp life.
“I did not come here only to see you and your situation,” Saathoff said. “I will also talk to policymakers in Germany to take more positive initiatives for the Rohingya.”
Reflecting on his experience, he added, “We see the Rohingya situation through the news media, but it is even worse in reality. Being here in person made me realize that we have to do more for them.”
Following the listener club visit, Mr. Saathoff met Razia Akter and Azizur Rahman, two Rohingya community reporters from the Voice of Palong team. Expressing appreciation for their work, he said, “It was good to see that Voice of Palong is bringing their community’s stories. I think it is helping to raise awareness among the Rohingya about their rights.”
During the conversation, Saathoff said, “I see the fruitful work of all the organizations here for the people in these camps, and of course, there has to be a solution to support it financially. That’s where we come into the picture — to help ensure these organizations can continue their important work. So that’s the reason why I’m here. We want to give them life, dignity, and hope — and opportunities to share life with others.”
Before departing for the airport, the Parliamentary State Secretary shared his feelings with the Voice of Palong team, saying, “I feel touched being here.”
Noted that Community Communication Skills Development for Social Awareness in Cox’s Bazar (CCSDSA) project has been working to strengthen access to information, promote social cohesion, and provide a platform for marginalized voices within both the Rohingya camps and the surrounding host communities in Cox’s Bazar. Through storytelling, radio programs, and youth engagement, the initiative continues to bridge understanding and empower communities on both sides of the humanitarian divide.
