Cultural Memory and the (re)Production of Identity Among Refugees: A Case Study of Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre (RCMC) in Bangladesh

The Rohingya, a Muslim minority from Myanmar, is one of the world's largest stateless populations. In August 2017, a wave of violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State forced over 700,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh's Cox’s Bazar region. Recently, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre (RCMC) in one of these camps to preserve the cultural heritage and identity of the Rohingya people. This study explores the RCMC’s role in maintaining and reproducing the cultural memory of Rohingya refugees. The research examines (i) the types of cultural artifacts the RCMC collects and the narratives behind their selection, (ii) the processes and stakeholders involved in preservation activities, and (iii) how these preserved memories are disseminated within the community. Data were gathered through field visits, in-depth interviews, and feedback from RCMC visitors. The RCMC, under the theme "Arar Rosom, Arar Elom" (Our Culture, Our Wisdom), serves as a powerful reminder of home for many Rohingya. It connects visitors to their heritage, featuring unique stories, artifacts, and memories created by refugees in the Cox’s Bazar camp. Feedback from elders, youth, staff, and volunteers highlighted the center’s emotional and educational impact, evoking a strong sense of connection to their homeland, Myanmar. Unlike in Myanmar, where no similar cultural center existed, the RCMC offers the Rohingya community a platform to preserve their identity through various art forms, including tapestries, artifacts, songs, and architectural models. The RCMC not only sustains Rohingya heritage for future generations but also empowers the community to advocate for their recognition and ensure their issue is not forgotten.