Cox's bazar: The journey of a young Rohingya man from the horrors of genocide in Myanmar to a life of advocacy and hope in Bangladesh has captured global attention. The story, shared by Mohammed Asem, highlights the struggles and perseverance of the Rohingya people who have faced relentless persecution and statelessness.
According to Global Voices, Mohammed Asem's journey began in Arakan, Myanmar, where he and his family faced severe discrimination under the 1982 nationality law that stripped the Rohingya of citizenship. This law not only revoked their rights but also forced approximately 1.2 million Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh, as documented by UNHCR estimates. Mohammed was only 10 years old when he fled Myanmar with his family in 2017, witnessing the brutal crackdown by the military, which included ethnic cleansing and large-scale massacres.
As Mohammed and his family crossed the Naf River to escape the violence, they encountered life-threatening dangers. Despite the threats and hardships, they managed to reach Bangladesh, only to face new challenges in the refugee camp at Kutupalong, Cox's Bazar. The camp offered limited resources and inadequate living conditions, but it was a refuge from the violence they fled.
In the refugee camp, Mohammed found opportunities for informal education, which rekindled his hope for a better future. However, the journey to further education was fraught with obstacles due to his stateless status. Despite receiving a certificate from the Myanmar Ministry of Education, his lack of citizenship prevented him from pursuing a scholarship opportunity in Turkey.
Motivated by these challenges, Mohammed became an advocate for the Rohingya community, founding the Arakani Youth Innovation organization in July 2025. His organization aims to empower Rohingya youth, preserve their culture, and foster dialogue to address the community's challenges. Mohammed's story reflects the resilience of the Rohingya people and their ongoing struggle for rights and recognition.
The situation in Myanmar remains volatile, with the 2021 military coup exacerbating the country's instability. The Arakan Army's control over much of Rakhine State has further complicated the prospects for the Rohingya's safe return to their homeland. Despite these challenges, Mohammed and many young Rohingya continue to dream of a future where they can return to Myanmar with full rights and freedom.