Bangladeshi student Tanfia Khan Disha from Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) has been selected for the 2026 Hansen Leadership Institute (HLI), a fully funded international leadership fellowship hosted at the University of San Diego in California, United States.

Out of nearly 6,300 applicants worldwide, only 20 fellows were selected for the 2026 cohort, making the programme one of the most competitive global youth leadership initiatives.

According to organisers, Tanfia has become the first Bangladeshi woman to be selected for the fellowship since the institute’s inception. Although a Bangladeshi representative participated in 2019, her selection marks a milestone for women’s leadership representation from Bangladesh at the programme.

Founded in 2007 by American philanthropist Fred J Hansen, the Hansen Leadership Institute was established to promote global understanding, peacebuilding and intercultural dialogue among future leaders.

Hosted annually at the University of San Diego, the fellowship brings together young leaders from different countries for an intensive summer programme focused on diplomacy, leadership, conflict resolution and cross-cultural collaboration.

The HLI selection process includes multiple stages, evaluating applicants on leadership experience, community engagement, academic performance and extracurricular involvement before conducting interviews for shortlisted candidates.

The 2026 fellowship cohort will represent 18 countries, including Bangladesh, Argentina, Brazil, Russia, Colombia, the Philippines, Kenya, Ukraine and the United States.

The fellowship covers airfare, accommodation and all major participation expenses during the programme in California.

Tanfia enters the fellowship with experience in youth leadership, science communication and community engagement through her involvement with NGOs and student-led initiatives in Bangladesh and internationally.

She has contributed to projects related to STEM education, healthcare advocacy and social impact initiatives for underserved communities. She is also involved in educational initiatives focused on science communication and grassroots development projects for young people.

The 2026 Hansen Leadership Institute is scheduled to take place in California in July, where fellows will participate in workshops, leadership training sessions, discussions and collaborative activities aimed at strengthening international cooperation and global networks among emerging leaders.