The Association for Environment and Human Resource Development (AFEAHRD) successfully organized a roundtable discussion titled ‘From Dream to Reality: Bangladesh’s Brightest Minds to Top Schools’. The event celebrated and showcased the inspiring journeys of Bangladeshi students who secured admission to world-renowned universities, aiming to guide and motivate future aspirants in the country.
Distinguished personalities from academia, industry, and media graced the occasion, sharing valuable insights to inspire young minds. Among the esteemed guests were Dr. Md Kaykobad, President of AFEAHRD; Ferdous Bappy, CEO of Ferdous Bappy TV Production; Dr. Shahadat Khan, Founder & CEO of TallyKhata; Ajmat Iqbal, Director of Reve Group; and Dr. Farzana Alam, Executive Director of AFEAHRD. The discussion centered around the importance of perseverance, strategic planning, and mentorship in achieving academic success.
The highlight of the event was the personal stories of five outstanding students who gained admission to some of the world’s most prestigious institutions. S.M.A. Nahian and Afsana Aktar, both admitted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), shared their experiences of overcoming challenges and pushing their limits to achieve their dreams. Nahian emphasized the significance of perseverance and staying curious, while Afsana encouraged Bangladeshi students to believe in their potential, stressing that global competition is not out of reach with the right preparation and mindset.
Navid Bin Hasan and Tanjeem Azwad Zaman, who secured admission to Carnegie Mellon University, highlighted the importance of showcasing uniqueness and passion in university applications. Navid noted that academic excellence alone is not enough—extracurricular activities and commitment to making a difference play a crucial role. Tanjeem reminded students that failure is part of the journey, urging them to learn from setbacks and continuously improve. Meanwhile, Md Toki Tahmid, now heading to Princeton University, stressed the necessity of building a well-rounded profile that includes research, leadership, and extracurricular activities to stand out in competitive admissions processes.
The roundtable discussion concluded with a shared commitment to developing a structured guideline to help aspiring Bangladeshi students prepare for top university admissions. AFEAHRD reaffirmed its dedication to supporting young talents and fostering a culture of academic excellence in Bangladesh.
