In recent months, Bangladesh, the country once called a ‘basket case’, has been in the news for its extraordinary transition from a least developed country to a developing country status. Focus, however, remained confined to its economic policies, developmental transformation. However, less attention is being paid as to how young Bangladeshis are now making a name internationally for their country. 

Last month, Usraat Fahmida, a college student from Bangladesh, earned an honorable mention-- for the first time in the country’s history--in the 40th International Philosophy Olympiad, held in Slovenia.

She and Tanvir Rahman Khan were the two Bangladeshi students selected for the event to participate at the international level. Bangladesh has been participating in the International Philosophy Olympiad since 2014. However, this is the first time get recognition. 

 "I am a science student, and philosophy was not as lucrative to my parents before. But after the competition, they are proud and happy,” Usraat was quoted as saying by The Daily Star. “This Olympiad excites me in many ways. I aim to study Politics, Philosophy, and Economics.” 

She was also the winner of the National Olympiad held last year.

Another Bangladeshi, Nazbin Khan won the Green Prize 2021 for her work in the field of environment. She has been an accomplished youngster, winning earlier a United Nations Young Leader for SDGs, Asia 21 Young Leader Fellow, Commonwealth Youth Awardee, Green Talent Awardee, and Forbes 30 under 30 honourees. 

Surprisingly, this time, she got ten times more votes than her nearest contender.

In future, Nazbin wants to launch training activities for Bangladeshi sex workers' children and other marginalized youths to educate them on environmental issues and help them earn a sustainable living. As an environmental activist, she also has a plan to produce a documentary film, showcasing the impact use of plastic waste on the environment.