Dhaka: The harrowing tale of Mohammed Asem, a young Rohingya man, paints a vivid picture of the struggle for survival and resilience against the backdrop of genocide and statelessness. Born in Arakan, Myanmar, Asem's life was upended by the 1982 nationality law that stripped the Rohingya of their citizenship, forcing him and approximately 1.2 million others to seek refuge in Bangladesh.
According to Global Voices, Asem fled Myanmar in 2017 at the tender age of 10, witnessing horrific scenes of violence as he crossed the Naf River with his family. They dodged gunfire and saw the lifeless bodies of Rohingya children, victims of the Myanmar military's crackdown, which has been widely condemned by international bodies as ethnic cleansing and genocide.
Upon reaching Bangladesh, Asem and his family faced further challenges. The Border Guard of Bangladesh initially denied them entry, leaving them stranded on Shah Porir Dwip island for a night. Eventually, they were allowed into Bangladesh, where they settled in the Kutupalong refugee camp. Life in the camp was a struggle, with limited access to essential supplies and healthcare. Asem's brother nearly died due to inadequate medical treatment, underscoring the dire conditions for refugees.
Education opportunities were scarce, and Asem's dreams of a normal childhood and future were dashed. Despite these setbacks, he persevered, attending a community school in the camp and later pursuing a scholarship opportunity in Turkey, which was ultimately thwarted by his stateless status.
In response to the challenges faced by young Rohingya, Asem became an advocate and human rights defender. In July 2025, he founded Arakani Youth Innovation, an organization aimed at empowering Rohingya youth and fostering dialogue to address community issues. Despite ongoing conflicts in Myanmar, including the military coup of 2021 and the rise of the Arakan Army in 2024, Asem remains committed to his cause, striving for a better future for his community.