Future Leaders of Bangladesh
A Scholarship Cohort Shaping the Nation’s Global Future
Meet the first cohort of recipients of the Ambassador Serajul Islam Future Leaders Scholarship—a distinguished group of students committed to international relations, diplomacy, and public service.
Each year, we award students who show promise not only in academic achievement, but in their capacity to lead, serve, and inspire.
Together, they represent the future of Bangladesh—at home and on the world stage.
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Arpita Paik
University of Dhaka
B.S.S in International Relations“I aim to build a career that bridges academic research and practical policymaking, with a focus on global governance, diplomacy, and peacebuilding.”
Arpita is an emerging leader with a deep passion for human rights, international development, and diplomacy. A first-year International Relations student at the University of Dhaka, she combines academic focus with a strong commitment to community engagement and humanitarian service. She’s fluent in Bengali and English, with conversational skills in Hindi and Urdu—and is even learning Japanese.
Arpita has volunteered with the Red Crescent, played on winning Kabaddi teams, and brings a collaborative, curious spirit to all she does. Her long-term goal is to represent Bangladesh on global platforms and contribute to shaping peaceful, equitable international systems.
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Fatema Tuj Johura
University of Dhaka
B.S.S in International Relations“I want to explore how diplomacy, global governance, and regional power dynamics shape peace and justice—and how Bangladesh can play a leading role in that conversation.”
Fatema is a first-year student of International Relations at the University of Dhaka with a remarkable academic and extracurricular record. Her interests lie at the intersection of diplomacy, peacebuilding, climate diplomacy, and South Asian power dynamics—especially as they relate to Bangladesh’s geopolitical challenges and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific.
A prolific writer and debater, Fatema has already authored three books and has been recognized nationally for her achievements in essay competitions and public speaking. She is actively involved in the DUIR Debate Club and DUMUNA, and aspires to work for the United Nations or a leading global institution.
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Samia Yesmin
North South University
M.A. in History and Asian Studies“Teaching and research are my life’s calling. I hope to contribute to the intellectual and cultural legacy of Bangladesh through both.”
Samia is a dedicated academic on a mission to advance scholarship in South Asian history, comparative literature, and cultural identity. Currently pursuing her M.A. in History and Asian Studies at North South University, she brings a rich academic background, including prior degrees from the University of Dhaka and Jagannath University.
Her published works examine the intersections of language, mysticism, identity, and regional politics, and her papers have been presented at prestigious international conferences—including in Nepal and Bangladesh. Passionate about research and teaching, Samia is preparing for further studies abroad and hopes to contribute to Bangladesh’s intellectual and diplomatic standing through education and public discourse.
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Shahnewaz Kabir
North South University
M.A. in History and Asian Studies“This award inspires me to translate quality research in the social sciences and liberal arts into accessible insights for Bangladesh’s next generation of thinkers and professionals.”
Shahnewaz is a passionate researcher and writer committed to bridging scholarship and public discourse. Currently pursuing his master’s in History and Asian Studies at North South University, he is known for his cross-disciplinary curiosity and drive to make academic research relatable and impactful for young learners in Bangladesh.
Inspired by the legacy of Ambassador Serajul Islam, Shahnewaz views this scholarship not just as recognition but as a call to action—to produce meaningful, accessible work in history, politics, and the liberal arts that speaks to Bangladesh’s evolving national identity and democratic journey.
Mentorship Interest Form
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Interested in mentoring or connecting with one of our scholarship recipients?
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