Write On! interviews poet Shofiqure Rahman
Shofiqure Rahman is a Rohingya poet, writer, youth activist and academic researcher currently residing in the Cox’s Bazar Rohingya Refugee Camp in Bangladesh. From a very young age, he entered the era of globalisation and writes poetry capturing the struggles, resilience, plights, injustice and hope of the Rohingya people – using free verse, saino, haiku, tanka and narrative storytelling. He’s an author of two poetry collections including My Life In A Refugee Camp; Tales Of Love And Loss and Let Me Shine; A Voice From The Ashes. His work has received international awards and recognition across many poetry and academic platforms.
WO: How would you describe your writing to someone new to it?
SR: My writing is a voice for the unheard and a window into the Rohingya experience. I explore themes of survival, resilience, identity and hope, often blending traditional poetry forms with modern storytelling. I aim to make my work accessible to all readers, conveying deep emotion and truth without seeking pity.
WO: Can you tell us a bit about your latest book Let Me Shine; A Voice From The Ashes?
SR: Let Me Shine; A Voice From The Ashes is my second poetry collection, giving voice to the Rohingya people who have endured generations of discrimination, violence, mass killings, horrific genocide, racial segregation and displacement, especially after the 2017 atrocities in Myanmar. Through poems in free verse, saino, haiku, tanka and storytelling styles, I share our struggles, our resilience and our hope. This book is dedicated to my community and to anyone who wishes to understand our experiences — not as a plea for pity, but as a call to see us as survivors, creators, dreamers and human beings.
WO: What inspired you to write in the first place, and what inspires you now?
SR: Unlike others, I was inspired to write by the stories of my community: their pain, courage and perseverance. Writing became my way to preserve our history, express our grief and share our dreams. Today, I’m inspired not only by my own journey, but by the countless voices of Rohingya refugees who deserve to be seen, heard and remembered. Every poem I write is a tribute to their strength and resilience.
WO: Recently Write On! explored the theme of ‘(R)Evolution’ comparing natural, gradual changes with swift and radical ones. Do you view your own writing as having gently evolved over time? Or do you enjoy switching it up and trying new things regularly?
SR: My writing has evolved gradually as I’ve grown and experienced more of the world, but I also love experimenting with different forms and styles. Each poem is a new journey: some flow gently from reflection, while others demand radical shifts in tone and approach. I enjoy balancing both evolution and experimentation, letting my experiences shape my words.
WO: What one piece of advice would you give an aspiring writer?
SR: My advice, dear brothers and sisters, is to write fearlessly and honestly. Don’t wait for permission to tell your story and don’t be afraid to explore the depths of your experiences. Every voice matters, and the truth of your journey will resonate with readers more than any trend ever could.
WO: Can you tell us anything about future projects?
SR: I’m currently planning a series of poems that combine storytelling with social advocacy by highlighting the lives and resilience of marginalsed communities beyond the Rohingya experience. I also hope to explore collaborations with other writers and artists to create works that transcend borders and cultures.
WO: Lastly, if you could choose one fictional animal/creature to be a pet or companion, who would it be and why?
SR: I would choose a phoenix, because it embodies rebirth, resilience, plights, injustice and hope, which are the themes running through my poetry and life. Like the phoenix, I believe we can rise from the ashes of tragedy to create something beautiful and enduring.
You can connect with Shofiqure on Instagram: @shofiqure_rahman, Slack: @shofiqurerahman, Threads: @shofi_qurerahman and X: @Shofiqure_autho
Let Me Shine; A Voice From The Ashes is available to buy from Amazon.
*****
Issue 28 of Write On! is out now and you can read it online here. Find it in libraries and other outlets. You can find previous editions of our magazines here.
You can hear great new ideas, creative work and writing tips on Write On! Audio. Find us on all major podcast platforms, including Apple and Google Podcasts and Spotify. Type Pen to Print into your browser and look for our logo, or find us on Podcasters.Spotify.com.
*****
If you or someone you know has been affected by issues covered in our pages, please see the relevant link below for information, advice and support: https://pentoprint.org/about/advice-support/
