The restless waves of Cox’s Bazar mirror the life of young surfer Karim Ullah—marked by constant struggle, hardship, and unyielding determination. Hailing from Sonar Para, Karim dreams of representing Bangladesh on the global stage through surfing.
Karim’s bond with the sea began at the age of five. But his journey was far from idyllic. It was shaped by poverty and deprivation.
“My family was too poor to support me in my early years. I had to learn surfing on my own, through immense hardship,” Karim said.
Growing up battling the powerful waves, he gradually honed his skills through years of persistence and resilience.
Today, he is an accomplished surfer and also a trainer, passing on his knowledge to others.
“Surfing is not easy. It requires patience, endurance, and the courage to face the waves,” he said, reflecting on his journey. “I have struggled a lot since childhood to learn it. I truly love surfing,” he added.
Yet, the path has not been without challenges. Karim pointed to a lack of institutional support as one of the biggest obstacles.
“We still do not receive significant support in surfing,” he said.
Despite the difficulties, his ambition remains undeterred.
Karim is set to participate in the 8th National Surfing Competition 2026, where he will represent Bangladesh—an important milestone in his journey and a source of renewed hope.
The waves of Sonar Para beach remain his daily training ground. It is here that he continues to dream of a day when surfing will gain wider recognition and appreciation in Bangladesh.
With unwavering determination in his eyes, Karim said, “One day I will become a professional surfer and represent Bangladesh across the world through this sport.”
Like the waves he rides, his spirit remains unstoppable—perhaps one that could one day redefine the future of surfing in Bangladesh.
By Mohammad Morshed and Tareque Hasan
Photo: Courtesy
