By: RO Maung Shwe
Inside a modest tarpaulin shelter in the world’s largest refugee camp, a powerful transformation is taking place. It is here that Mohammad Salim, a Rohingya martial arts master, and his teenage daughter Nasima Akter are breaking barriers and building strength—one kick, one punch, one lesson at a time.
From Arakan to Exile: A Life Shaped by Struggle and Courage
Originally from Kyauktaw Township in Arakan (Rakhine State), Myanmar, Mohammad Salim is the second son of Habibur Rahman and Nur Banu. He was only able to study up to class four due to the ongoing persecution of the Rohingya community. When Salim was still a child, his father left for Thailand in search of better opportunities but tragically passed away from chronic illness. Salim dropped out of school to support his family.
His path into martial arts began unlikely way—through his sister’s marriage to Boxer Bulu (Kamal Hossain), a 14-time champion in Akyab. Living with them, Salim began training in boxing under Bulu in the mornings, Shaolin martial arts with Master Nur Mohammad in the evenings, and Taekwondo at night with Master Siraz. His own sister, Muktar Begum, was also a skilled Taekwondo master, and her strength left a lasting impact on him.
But life in Arakan was never safe for Rohingya youth. In 2001, violence broke out in Akyab when Natala (Rakhine nationalist mobs) attempted to burn Rohingya villages. Though the attacks failed, they began targeting educated and active Rohingya youth with false accusations. To save his life, Salim’s sister helped him escape across the border to Bangladesh in 2002.
Mastering Martial Arts in Exile
In Bangladesh, Salim pursued martial arts training relentlessly. In 2003, he joined Potiya Taekwondo Academy, then Chittagong Jela Krira Sangstha (CJKS) for six years. In 2008, he traveled to Hyderabad, India, for advanced training, and later returned to win the Dhaka Korea Cup Taekwondo Championship.
In 2015, he went to Imphal, Manipur, where he earned his Second Dan Black Belt after two years of rigorous training. Over time, he accumulated numerous medals and belts—yellow, green, red, and black.
In 2007, he married Sokina Begum, also a Rohingya, and they were blessed with six children—four daughters and two sons. Today, he resides in a refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, where he teaches martial arts to young Rohingya learners.
Nasima Akter: A Rising Champion from the Camps
Among Salim’s most promising students is his own daughter, Nasima Akter, now 16. She began training in Taekwondo at the age of five. After returning to the refugee camp, she continued her training under her father’s direct supervision.
In 2018, she told UNHCR in an interview:
“I love Taekwondo. If I can complete my training, I will win a gold medal and bring pride to my Rohingya community.”
She kept her promise. On September 7, 2019, Nasima won a gold medal at the Korea Cup Taekwondo Championship in Dhaka, competing for three consecutive days.
Her story drew international attention. She was later featured by AFP News Agency and celebrated by UNICEF on International Day of the Girl:
📹 AFP Interview (2028)
📹 UNICEF Interview
Establishing the Arakan Rohingya Taekwondo Academy
Inspired by his daughter’s success, Salim founded the Arakan Rohingya Taekwondo Academy in 2024, located within their shelter in the refugee camp. With support and permission from the Bangladesh government, UNHCR, and camp authorities, the academy now trains over 50 students, including 24 girls and 30 boys.
Nasima trains female students, while Salim leads male classes. Despite having to turn away many eager learners due to space and funding limitations, they continue to teach daily—with discipline, passion, and purpose.
Rising Stars and Students of the Academy
Among the students preparing for higher-level competition are:
Nasima Akter, Shelina Akter, Shomshida Bibi, Mujibur Rahman, Halek Hossain, Khairul Amin, Mohammad Hason, Mohammad Ismail, and Sirajul Islam.
Master Salim’s Vision
“In Myanmar, we were not allowed to move freely. Rohingya women lived in fear. That’s why I chose martial arts—not just for strength, but for self-defense, discipline, and dignity.”
He also fights against the misconception that martial arts promote violence:
“Martial arts build character, control, and health. They prevent chronic diseases and give our youth confidence and direction.”
Salim emphasizes that education and religious values come first.
“I tell my students: pray, fast, respect elders, and serve your parents. If you have free time, learn martial arts—not to fight, but to protect and grow.”
To support learners holistically, he also arranges private educational classes after training hours, taught by a hired local teacher.
Voices of Hope
Mujibur Rahman, 18:
“I used to wander aimlessly. Now, I train every day. I avoid gambling, child labor, and trafficking. I feel healthier, focused, and strong. One day, I want to win gold for my people.”
Shelina Akter, 16:
“As a girl, I know how unsafe our surroundings can be. With Taekwondo, I feel stronger and safer. If Allah wills, I’ll use this training to empower other Rohingya women.”
A Call for Support
Despite their achievements, Master Salim and Nasima face immense difficulties.
“We teach inside a small plastic shelter, with no funds, no mats, and no protective gear. But we continue because we believe in this cause.”
They offer free training to all students—but expansion requires help.
They appeal to humanitarian organizations, donors, and well-wishers to support the academy with:
- Training equipment
- Uniforms and protective gear
- A permanent structure
- Funds to accommodate more students
Contact Information
📱 WhatsApp & Phone: +8801849112250
🎥 YouTube: Arakan Rohingya Taekwondo
Conclusion: Strength Through Struggle
The story of Mohammad Salim and Nasima Akter is not just about martial arts—it is about resistance through discipline, healing through movement, and empowerment through education. In the face of statelessness and suffering, they have created a sanctuary of strength for their community. Through every kick, every medal, and every student they inspire, they prove that Rohingya resilience knows no boundaries.
