by Ro Maung Shwe
A 20 year old Rohingya Islamic student has achieved second position in the Final Central Examination of the Academic Year 2026, scoring 930 marks out of 1000, an accomplishment that highlights the determination and academic potential of Rohingya youth despite years of displacement and hardship.
Hafiz Maulana Mohammad Saad bin Maulana Nur Ahmad secured the result under the Bangladesh Private Islamic University Federation, the body that oversees the central examination system for Islamic higher education institutions across Bangladesh.
For Saad, the achievement is more than a personal milestone. It reflects the persistence of a community that continues to pursue knowledge and dignity despite being forced from its homeland.
Early Life and Displacement
Mohammad Saad was born in Goke Pi Village in Buthidaung Township of Arakan, Myanmar. His father, Maulana Nur Ahmad, raised him in a family that valued religious education.
Like hundreds of thousands of Rohingya families, Saad’s life was transformed by the violence that intensified in August 2017, when the Myanmar Junta launched widespread attacks against Rohingya civilians. Killings, arrests, and the burning of villages forced entire communities to flee their homes.
Saad and his family were among those who escaped the violence. Family members say they walked for weeks with limited food and basic necessities before reaching the Myanmar Bangladesh border.
Eventually, the family found refuge in Camp 16 in the Shafiullah Khata area of Cox’s Bazar. Life in the refugee camps was difficult, but Saad remained committed to continuing his education.
Early Islamic Education
Saad began his Islamic studies at a young age. While still living in Arakan, he memorized the Holy Qur’an and became a Hafiz e Qur’an.
After completing Qur’an memorization, he continued his education in the traditional madrasa system. Even after displacement to Bangladesh, he remained determined to continue his studies.
His education was made possible largely through the financial support of his elder brothers and the encouragement of his parents. Their support helped him continue learning despite the economic and social difficulties faced by refugee families.
Higher Studies at Jamia Islamia Patiya
As his academic ability developed, Saad was admitted to Jamia Al Islamia Patiya in Chittagong, one of the most respected Islamic institutions in Bangladesh.
The madrasa has a long tradition of producing Islamic scholars, teachers, and researchers.
Saad enrolled in the advanced Dawrah Hadith program, which represents the final stage of traditional Islamic scholarship in the madrasa system. The program involves intensive study of the major classical Hadith collections, including Sahih al Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan al Tirmidhi, Sunan Abi Dawud, Sunan al Nasa’i, and Muwatta Imam Malik, along with other important works of Islamic scholarship.
Completing this stage requires years of disciplined study, strong analytical ability, and deep dedication to religious learning.
Academic Achievement
In the Final Central Examination of the Academic Year 2026, conducted under the Bangladesh Private Islamic University Federation, Saad secured second position nationwide with 930 marks out of 1000 and received the academic grade “Excellent.”
For a student who grew up amid displacement and uncertainty, the achievement represents a remarkable example of perseverance.
His success also demonstrates the intellectual potential that exists among Rohingya students when access to education becomes possible.
Future Academic Goals
Following his success, Saad plans to continue his higher studies in Islamic scholarship.
He hopes to pursue advanced programs such as Adab, which focuses on Arabic language and literature, Ifta, which involves specialization in Islamic jurisprudence leading to the qualification of Mufti, and Ulum al Hadith, advanced scholarship in the sciences of Hadith.
“With the blessings of Allah, I will try to continue higher level studies such as Adab, Ifta, and Ulum al Hadith so that I may serve Islam through knowledge and teaching,” Saad said.
A Message for Rohingya Youth
Saad believes that education remains one of the most powerful tools for the future of the Rohingya community.
“As students, we are the future of the Rohingya nation,” he said. “It is our responsibility to represent our people to the world, to work for our rights, and to build a brighter future for our nation. To achieve these goals, education is essential.”
He encourages Rohingya youth to pursue knowledge with sincerity and discipline.
“We must study with dedication, keeping love for our nation in our hearts and the intention of serving our people in our minds.”
Resilience of a Community
Reflecting on the broader Rohingya experience, Saad emphasized the resilience of his people.
“The Rohingya are a nation that never gives up,” he said. “There is no task that Rohingya people cannot accomplish. We are simply waiting for the right opportunity.”
He urged young people to take every opportunity to pursue education and prepare themselves to represent their community.
“When you find an opportunity, do not miss it. Use it to pursue education and prepare yourselves to serve our nation.”
Inspiring Hope
Saad’s journey from a displaced refugee in the camps of Cox’s Bazar to a nationally recognized Islamic student offers a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education.
His success reflects not only personal determination but also the aspirations of an entire community that continues to seek knowledge, dignity, and a future beyond displacement.
For many Rohingya students, stories like Saad’s provide hope that education can open paths even in the most difficult circumstances.
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