Türkiye’s Burslari Scholarship stands among the most sought-after international scholarships, offering students from across the globe a fully funded chance to pursue higher education in Turkey. Beyond covering tuition and living expenses, the programme opens doors to cultural exchange, professional networks, and future leadership opportunities on the world stage.

For Maynul Islam, a young leader from a remote Bangladeshi village, this opportunity has been life-changing. At only 20, he has already made his mark as a writer and innovator, earning recognition well beyond national borders.

“Applying for the Türkiye Bursları Scholarship was never just about going to university in another country. It was about getting exposure to the world that could later help Bangladesh,” he said.

Maynul’s work has already been recognised for his works. He won the RTV SMC Monimix Preona Padak 2023 award, was nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize, and was one of the top six finalists for the Glocal Teen Hero Award. These awards honour his years of hard work in social work, volunteering, and helping young people become more powerful. 

Seeds of change in a village

Maynul’s story began far from the spotlight, in a rural area where he grew up. But the problems he faced at first only made him more determined to learn and help. In his words: “I always thought that where you come from shouldn’t limit where you can go.” 

His first steps into activism were through grassroots volunteer work, where he set up educational programmes, skill-building sessions, and awareness campaigns for young people who were less fortunate. These little projects turned into bigger movements over time. 

Maynul, the CEO of Shining Life, has already helped hundreds of people through events, workshops, and advocacy meetings. His work has been about teaching young people important skills and encouraging a culture of social responsibility.

Finding a voice

In addition to activism, Maynul discovered that writing could motivate others. “Writing enables me to establish connections with young people throughout Bangladesh. A person’s life can occasionally be changed by a single story alone,” he stated. He stands out as a doer and a messenger because of his ability to blend activism with storytelling.

Why Türkiye Bursları?

The Türkiye Bursları Scholarship gave Maynul more than just a chance to study. Turkey, a country that connects the East and the West, was a place to learn from differences while staying true to familiar cultural values. 

“Studying abroad isn’t the only option. It’s about learning in a setting that encourages cooperation and inclusivity, then applying those experiences to enhance education and opportunities for Bangladesh’s youth, “he stated. 

Every year, thousands of people from all over the world apply for the competitive scholarship. Maynul had a hard time, but he knew why he was doing it. He said, “Whenever I felt exhausted, I reminded myself that I wasn’t doing this just for me; I was doing it for the young people who would one day walk the same path.” 

Obstacles and perseverance

It was never simple to balance academic tasks, leadership duties, and scholarship applications. Maynul says that there were times when he wasn’t sure. But he kept going, getting strength from the communities he worked with. He said, “My work with youth leadership kept me going. The people I helped gave me the drive to do more.” 

A plan for the future

Maynul wants to create a complete platform where Bangladeshi students can get help with scholarships, find mentors, and learn about opportunities around the world, no matter where they live or how much money they have. 

“I want to see a future where a student from a remote village can become ready for international scholarships or competitions with the same confidence as someone from Dhaka. I want to work towards that kind of accessibility,” he said.

Türkiye Bursları is not the end for him; it’s just the start of a bigger journey. His narrative serves as a reminder that when individual accomplishments are connected to group advancements, they have the power to transform entire communities. His rise from humble beginnings in a village to fame around the world is proof that dreams can come true if you work hard and stay focused.