Stories of aspiration, tenacity, and success brought young people from all around Bangladesh together under one roof. While some returned as alumni to discuss how they are constructing their futures, others saw the event as the start of their higher education journey. Eighty chosen students and twenty alumni attended the event at the BRAC Centre for Development Management (BCDM), Savar, as part of BRAC’s Medhabikash project, establishing a space for inspiration, connection, and common goals.
The event, titled “Medhabikash Shongjog 2026: Merit Shaping a Future-Ready Bangladesh”, was held on Tuesday, 12 May 2026. Through the initiative, BRAC is supporting high-achieving students from families with a monthly income below BDT 20,000, ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of higher education. A total of 6,161 students applied for the Medhabikash scholarship for the 2025–2026 academic year, from which 400 students were selected through a rigorous screening process.
The event featured remarks from Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, and Safi Rahman Khan, Director, Education, Skills Development and Migration, BRAC. Moutushi Kabir, Chief People and Culture Officer at BRAC, alongside educators, representatives from educational institutions, and students, were also present at the event.
Asif Saleh began his speech by stating that the world does not treat everyone equally. He noted that those born with privilege often find a smoother path, while those deprived of it face obstacles at every step. BRAC, he said, stands alongside people in the face of these barriers, equipping them not merely to survive, but to move forward on their own terms.
However, he added that the journey does not end there. Addressing the students who received support, Asif Saleh said he hoped that they would, in turn, stand beside others facing similar challenges in the future. He particularly called upon former Medhabikash alumni to accompany and support the students who are just beginning their journeys.
He also emphasised the importance of values, stating: “Once a sense of empathy is awakened, it cannot be put back to sleep.” He added that a more humane world can only be built when individuals act with greater compassion within their own spheres of life.
Safi Rahman Khan noted that in the initial phase, scholarships were awarded to 150 students, which has since increased to 400, with an ambition to expand the coverage to nearly 1,200 in the future. He also commended the students for their merit, hard work, and perseverance, as well as for their resilience and positive mindset in the face of challenges. He also added that through Medhabikash Shongjog, students are expected to continue supporting one another, while BRAC remains committed to working closely with them in helping realise their aspirations.
60 of the chosen students are from 26 government medical schools, including prestigious establishments like Mymensingh Medical College, Sir Salimullah Medical College, and Dhaka Medical College. 17 students are from prestigious engineering institutes including BUET and KUET, and another 45 students are from well-known public universities like Rajshahi University and the University of Dhaka. Additionally, 13 students from agricultural universities and 15 from science and technology universities were chosen.
250 college students were chosen from 106 government and non-government institutions, with a focus on promoting female education. 206 of the 400 scholarship awardees are female students, making up about 51.5% of the total. Particularly at the college level, 60% of scholarship recipients are female students.
The Medhabikash initiative provides selected students with one-time grants of up to BDT 20,000 alongside monthly stipends of up to BDT 8,000. This support enables students to focus on their studies without the burden of financial constraints. The programme ultimately aims to cultivate a generation of skilled, empathetic, and socially responsible young people who are well-equipped to contribute to Bangladesh’s long-term development and transformation.
This year’s Medhabikash Shongjog was marked by stories of perseverance, aspiration, and achievement. The event brought together both new scholarship recipients and alumni whose journeys have been shaped not only by academic merit but also by overcoming financial adversity. The occasion created a space for inspiration, connection, and shared possibility among young people from across the country.
