Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, has been named to the TIME100 Philanthropy 2026 list, becoming the first Bangladeshi ever to receive the recognition. The achievement is being seen as an acknowledgment of Bangladesh’s growing role in international development and social impact leadership.

Every year, TIME magazine publishes its list of the world’s 100 most influential individuals, philanthropic leaders, and innovators. The 2026 edition recognizes people who are shaping new approaches in development, humanitarian assistance, and global change.

Recognition of BRAC’s Development Model

Asif Saleh was included in the “Leaders” category alongside internationally recognized figures such as Rajiv J. Shah, Idris Elba, Sabrina Dhowre Elba, and football star Lionel Messi. In its profile, TIME highlighted BRAC’s locally driven development model and its efforts to make the global aid system more equitable and sustainable.

According to TIME, BRAC has emerged as an effective alternative model at a time when the global aid sector is facing major funding cuts and growing uncertainty over the future of development financing. The organization’s diversified funding strategy and community-centered approach were especially praised.

From Post-War Initiative to Global Institution

BRAC began its journey in 1972 following Bangladesh’s Liberation War, with the goal of supporting national reconstruction. What started as a small relief initiative gradually evolved into one of the world’s largest development organizations. Drawing on decades of experience and realities from Bangladesh, BRAC developed a model that has since been replicated across parts of Asia and Africa.

TIME noted that BRAC’s hybrid financing model — combining grants, investments, community contributions, microfinance, and social enterprises — has played a significant role in addressing global funding challenges. Bangladesh’s own experience of resilience amid poverty, natural disasters, and limited resources helped shape this approach.

A Vision of Development Based on Equality

Reacting to the recognition, Asif Saleh said the achievement belongs to the people across Asia and Africa who have worked alongside BRAC over the past five decades. He also acknowledged the contributions of BRAC staff members who work every day to improve people’s lives.

TIME’s report also emphasized BRAC’s founding philosophy, which views development not as charity, but as a process driven by people’s active participation. In Saleh’s words, development is not something where people are merely recipients of assistance; rather, they are active partners in shaping their own change.

Warning Over Growing Global Inequality

Commenting on the current global situation, Asif Saleh said the world is at a critical turning point. Extreme poverty is rising again, conflicts are disrupting supply systems, and the cost-of-living crisis is pushing millions of people back into poverty. According to him, building a more equitable world will require ambitious new approaches that go beyond conventional methods.

International Recognition for Bangladesh’s Development Journey

Bangladesh has long been recognized internationally as a successful example of development, particularly in poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, and human development indicators. The inclusion of a Bangladeshi leader and a Bangladesh-born institution in the TIME100 Philanthropy list further demonstrates that Bangladesh is no longer just a participant in global development discussions, but an important contributor shaping them.

Asif Saleh TIME100 Philanthropy

Bangladesh’s Asif Saleh has earned international recognition in global development leadership after being included in the TIME100 Philanthropy 2026 list. BRAC’s development model was also praised.

A proud moment for Bangladesh. BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh has been named to the TIME100 Philanthropy 2026 list. As the first Bangladeshi to receive the honor, the recognition further strengthens the country’s global standing in development leadership.