Young organiser Md. Abdullah Al Seam has won the ‘Youth Volunteer Award 2026’ for his voluntary social service and efforts to make science and technology accessible to students across Bangladesh.

He received the award in the Science, Technology and Technical category from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at a ceremony held at Shapla Hall in the Prime Minister’s Office on 17 October 2026. The award included a crest of honour, a Tk1 lakh cheque and a certificate. Organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the award recognised 15 young people across various categories for their voluntary work and innovative initiatives. At 21, Seam was the youngest recipient.

For Seam, a second-year Textile Engineering student at Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (Aust), science extends beyond complex equations, textbooks and laboratories. He has spent nearly six years working at the grassroots level to nurture young science enthusiasts through student-led initiatives, community projects and educational activities.

His journey began with leadership roles at Shamsul Hoque Khan School & College, where he served as general secretary and later senior adviser of the Science Club. He also served as general secretary and later senior executive of the SHKSC Nutrition Club, as well as general secretary of the youth platform Intelligent Minds.

In 2023, Seam played a key role in organising the eighth and ninth DCSC National Science Expositions, bringing together more than 10,000 students from across the country to showcase their inventions. That year, he also became president of the Dhaka College Science Club.

Recognising the need to extend science education beyond urban centres, Seam collaborated with the Bangladesh Institute of ICT in Development (BIID) on food and nutrition awareness campaigns in coastal and remote areas, including Cox’s Bazar and Patuakhali. He also worked with the Bangladesh Advanced Robotics Research Center to promote robotics education among students nationwide.

Through Intelligent Minds, he organised online competitions, interactive discussions and podcast sessions titled “Minutes of Positivity”, aiming to give students opportunities to develop and showcase their talents.

Seam has also focused on applying scientific knowledge to everyday challenges. Over the years, he has developed environmentally friendly prototypes and practical innovations aimed at reducing traffic congestion, tackling urban pollution and improving waste management to protect aquatic ecosystems.

His achievements include winning the championship at the 41st, 42nd and 43rd National Science and Technology Week consecutively, alongside multiple titles at major science carnivals.

Building on these experiences, Seam organised workshops and interactive sessions at Shamsul Hoque Khan School & College and Dhaka College to help students develop practical skills and explore their interests. He has also promoted co-curricular activities through initiatives such as Quiz League and knowledge sessions in underserved communities, covering current affairs and general knowledge beyond the traditional classroom curriculum.

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education in 2020, Seam used digital platforms to organise nationwide webinars, science quizzes and creative workshops. These initiatives helped thousands of young students remain connected to creative learning during a period of isolation and uncertainty.

His initiatives have directly reached more than 20,000 students across Bangladesh. Students who participated in his clubs and training programmes have gone on to win more than 200 national-level awards in science, robotics and quizzes. The workshop modules, club structures and event formats he developed continue to be used by younger organisers, helping sustain his work.

Alongside his undergraduate studies at Aust, Seam is involved in corporate logistics and youth organising. He aims to help develop a generation of technically skilled young people equipped to identify problems and create practical solutions.

Reflecting on the award, Seam said, “Receiving this national recognition after nearly six years of voluntary work gives me the motivation to do even more for our society. The encouraging words and guidance from the Prime Minister and the State Minister for Youth and Sports will inspire me to keep serving Bangladesh for the rest of my life. Science isn’t meant to remain locked inside textbooks. My goal is to make technical knowledge accessible to every corner of Bangladesh so that our generation can build a self-reliant, sustainable future.”

Seam’s journey highlights how students can contribute to society before completing their education. Through science outreach, practical innovation and mentorship, he hopes to inspire more young people to use their skills to solve problems and contribute to Bangladesh’s development.