The Rohingya Centre UK (RCUK) shares the stories of Rohingya families who, after being forced to flee their homeland, have found sanctuary and new beginnings in Britain. Today we are proud to highlight the remarkable journey of Ismail Mohammed, a proud member of the British Army and a graduate of Law (LL.B) and LL.M , who grew up in Manningham, Bradford.
A Family’s Journey to Safety
Ismail’s family were among the thousands of Rohingya forced to flee from Myanmar in the 1990s due to persecution. For 18 long years, they endured life in refugee camps in Bangladesh, where access to education, healthcare and opportunities was scarce.
In 2008, through the UK Resettlement Programme, they were offered the chance to rebuild their lives in Bradford. Ismail arrived aged just 10, unable to speak English and adjusting to an entirely new culture.
With resilience and determination, supported by teachers, mentors, family and his community, he excelled in his studies. In 2022 he proudly graduated with Bachelor of Laws LL.B (Hons) from the University of Bradford, followed by an LL.M in International Humans Laws from the University of Leeds, before going on to serve in the British Army, making both his family and his country proud.
Words of Appreciation
Ismail Mohammed says:
“I am forever grateful to Britain and to the people of Bradford. This country gave my family safety and gave me the chance to study, grow, and contribute. Education has transformed my life, and I wish for every Rohingya child in the camps to be given the same opportunity.”
His father, Harun Mohammed, reflects:
“We spent nearly two decades in refugee camps with little hope. To now see my son as a graduate and serving soldier in the British Army is beyond what I could ever have dreamed of. Britain gave us protection, dignity, and a future. For that, we are truly thankful.”
The Power of Education
Ismail’s journey demonstrates the resilience of Rohingya youth and the transformative power of education. His story is living proof of the value of Britain’s humanitarian commitments — turning despair into opportunity and ensuring that young people not only survive but thrive.
This is why RCUK is leading the way with a Rohingya-led, sustainable, high-quality, internationally accredited education programme. Rooted in the heritage of the Rohingya people of Rohang (Arakan), this initiative aims to provide children in refugee camps with the same chance to learn, achieve, and contribute positively to society.
Amin Mohammed, CEO of RCUK, states:
“Ismail’s story is a testimony to what can be achieved when refugees are given safety, education and opportunity. At RCUK, we are building a model of education that is led by Rohingya, for Rohingya, to ensure every child can fulfil their potential. Education is not just a right, it is the key to dignity, stability, and hope for the future.”
The Rohingya Centre UK welcomes testimonies and personal journeys. To contribute your story, please write to us at: info@rcuk.org.uk