Maha Shbair, having completed her final MBBS exams at Chittagong Medical College, has returned to her homeland of Palestine to embark on a two-year internship. Having achieved full qualification as a physician, Maha was expected to embark on a conventional career path typical of her peers or consider further advancing her education. However, none of those developments have occurred for Maha.
What is the reason behind this? Her birthplace is Palestine. Israeli airstrikes have devastated her family home, resulting in the tragic loss of eight relatives, among them her aunt and uncle. She currently resides in a refugee tent with her parents and siblings.
In early 2025, Maha’s prospects brightened significantly as she was awarded a full scholarship to North South University in Bangladesh, enabling her to pursue a master’s degree in public health. The proposal also encompasses a role as a research assistant at the university. However, her path to Bangladesh is now shrouded in uncertainty, as the borders of Palestine are currently under Israeli control.
On July 1, in a WhatsApp conversation, Maha revealed that their residence in Khan Yunis, located in southern Gaza, was destroyed in May. Her family has sought refuge approximately eight kilometres away, in a coastal region known as Mawasi Khan Yunis. In a crowded tent, eight members of her family find themselves among nearly 10,000 displaced individuals, all seeking refuge in the same dire conditions.
Inside the tent, Maha’s one-and-a-half-year-old nephew is present. “From the moment he was born, my sister’s son has not consumed meat, fruit, or any food that is considered nutritious,” Maha remarked, her voice tinged with disappointment.
“Our sustenance relies heavily on rice, lentils, and seeds.” The region is currently facing a significant lack of electricity, while access to clean drinking water remains limited. The supply of rice and lentils we were able to carry with us during our escape from home is nearly depleted. Nearby shops are absent from the vicinity. Currently, the temporary markets are operational; however, the only items on offer are flour and rice. The cost of goods remains significantly elevated.
Maha arrived in Bangladesh in 2017 to enrol at Chittagong Medical College, embarking on her journey to fulfil her aspiration of becoming a physician. At that time, Bangladesh remained a largely unfamiliar territory for her. Gradually, it transformed into what she
referred to as her “second home.” She developed a deep affection for the cuisine, the hospitality of the locals, and, crucially, for the unwavering support that Bangladeshis show towards the Palestinian cause. She expresses her eternal gratitude for that.
Upon her return to Palestine, she has maintained communication with her friends and teachers from Chittagong Medical College. Following the recommendations of her friends, Maliha Mehjabeen and Faisal Chowdhury, she decided to apply for a master’s programme at North South University.
Maha expressed, “Leaving one’s homeland and family is not a choice anyone makes lightly.” “The circumstances in Palestine have reached such a critical point that seeking escape now appears to be our sole opportunity for survival.” Uncertainty looms over the possibility of reaching Bangladesh in the future.
She stated that crossing the border has become nearly impossible without assistance from the Bangladesh embassy in Jordan or a neighbouring country. “I have reached out to the Bangladeshi embassy in Jordan via email to outline my situation, but I have yet to receive a response.”
Maha was scheduled to commence her summer semester classes in April at North South University.
Professor MN Islam, the director of graduate studies at the university, stated that “Maha was awarded a full scholarship due to her excellent performance in her bachelor’s program.” In a significant development, she received a job offer from the university, allowing her to pursue her studies uninterrupted. However, the ongoing conflict has prevented her from attending classes thus far. Efforts are being made to ensure her arrival in Bangladesh before the commencement of the following semester.
The university has reached out via email to the Bangladesh embassies in Jordan, Qatar, and Morocco seeking assistance; however, there has been no response to date. The Palestinian embassy in Dhaka has expressed its inability to address the situation.
Professor MN Islam has called on the government to intervene and provide support to Maha on humanitarian grounds.
