Rohingya refugees hope new leaders can pave a path home

COX'S BAZAR:Sheikh Sabiha Alam Rohingya refugees living in squalid camps in Bangladesh have elected a leadership council, hoping it can improve conditions and revive efforts to secure their return home to Myanmar.

Spread over 8,000 acres in Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh, the camps are home to 1.7 million members of the stateless group, many of whom fled a 2017 military crackdown that is now subject to a genocide probe at the UN court.

In July, the refugees held their first elections since their influx began eight years ago, resulting in the formation of the United Council of Rohang (UCR).

"They are working to take us home," said Khairul Islam, 37, who back home had a thriving timber business.

The new council has brought him a glimmer of hope amid an uncertain future.

"We can hardly breathe in these cramped camp rooms... all our family members live in a single room," he said.