Young people from across Bangladesh came together under one roof, united by stories of ambition, perseverance and achievement.

For some, the occasion marked the beginning of their higher education journey, while others returned as alumni to share how they are building their futures.

As part of Brac’s Medhabikash initiative, 80 selected students and 20 alumni joined the event at the Brac Centre for Development Management in Savar, creating a space for connection, inspiration and shared aspirations.

The event, titled “Medhabikash Shongjog 2026: Merit Shaping a Future-Ready Bangladesh”, was held today (12 May).

Through the initiative, Brac is supporting high-achieving students from families with a monthly income below Tk20,000, 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 2025-26 academic year, from which 400 students were selected through a rigorous screening process.

The event featured remarks from Brac Executive Director Asif Saleh and Director for Education, Skills Development and Migration Safi Rahman Khan.

Brac Chief People and Culture Officer Moutushi Kabir, alongside educators, representatives from educational institutions and students, was also present at the event.

Asif Saleh began his speech by saying 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 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, saying, “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 said scholarships were awarded to 150 students in the initial phase, 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 added that through Medhabikash Shongjog, students are expected to continue supporting one another, while Brac remains committed to working closely with them to help realise their aspirations.

Among the selected students, 60 are from 26 government medical colleges, including leading institutions such as Dhaka Medical College, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mymensingh Medical College.

A further 45 students are from prominent public universities, including the University of Dhaka and Rajshahi University, while 17 students are from top engineering universities such as BUET and KUET.

In addition, 15 students were selected from science and technology universities and 13 from agricultural universities.

At the college level, 250 students were selected from 106 government and non-government colleges, with particular emphasis placed on advancing female education.

Of the 400 scholarship recipients, 206 are female students, representing more than 51.5% of the total recipients.

At the college level specifically, female students account for 60% of scholarship recipients.

The Medhabikash initiative provides selected students with one-time grants of up to Tk20,000, alongside monthly stipends of up to Tk8,000.

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.