To ensure that financial hardship does not become a barrier to higher education for talented students, BRAC has brought 400 students under its scholarship program. Under the initiative titled “Merit Development Connection 2026: Bangladesh’s Future in the Light of Talent,” selected students will receive both one-time and monthly scholarships.

The event was held on Tuesday (May 12) at BCDM in Savar, where 80 selected students and 20 alumni from different parts of the country participated. Stories of struggle, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams were highlighted throughout the program. Under BRAC’s Merit Development initiative, students were selected from families with a monthly income below Tk 20,000.

BRAC stated that 6,161 students applied for the Merit Development Scholarship for the 2025–2026 academic year. After a lengthy screening and verification process, 400 students were finally selected.

Among the speakers at the event were BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh and Director of Education, Skills Development and Migration Safi Rahman Khan. BRAC Chief People and Culture Officer Moutushi Kabir, representatives from various educational institutions, and students were also present.

A Message of Empathy

In his speech, Asif Saleh said that not everyone in the world is born with equal opportunities. Some people find an easy path, while others face obstacles at every step. He said BRAC aims to stand beside disadvantaged people and create opportunities and strength for them to move forward.

He also said that those receiving opportunities today should, in the future, stand beside others who are underprivileged. He encouraged former alumni to support newly selected students as well. Emphasizing human values, Asif Saleh said that once the spirit of empathy awakens, it never truly fades away.

Plans to Expand the Scholarship Program

Safi Rahman Khan, Director of BRAC’s Education, Skills Development and Migration Programme, said that the initiative initially provided scholarships to 150 students, but the number has now increased to 400. There are plans to expand the program further to support 1,200 students in the future.

He said the talent, sacrifice, and positive mindset of young people are deeply inspiring. He also expressed hope that the Merit Development Connection initiative would strengthen collaboration and connections among students.

Institutions Represented by Scholarship Recipients

Among this year’s scholarship recipients, 60 students are studying at 26 government medical colleges across the country, including Dhaka Medical College, Sir Salimullah Medical College, and Mymensingh Medical College.

In addition, 45 students were selected from public universities including the University of Dhaka and the University of Rajshahi. Seventeen students were selected from engineering universities such as BUET and KUET, 15 from science and technology universities, and 13 from agricultural universities.

At the college level, 250 students were selected from 106 government and private colleges. Special emphasis was placed on women’s education, with 206 of the 400 scholarship recipients being female students. At the college level, female students account for 60 percent of the recipients.

One-Time and Monthly Financial Assistance

Under the Merit Development initiative, selected students will receive a one-time grant of up to Tk 20,000 and a monthly scholarship of up to Tk 8,000. According to BRAC, this support will help reduce students’ financial pressure and allow them to focus more on their studies.

Organizers said the goal of the initiative is not only to build a skilled generation, but also to nurture compassionate and responsible citizens who will play an important role in shaping the future of Bangladesh.

BRAC Merit Development Scholarship 2026

Under BRAC’s Merit Development initiative, 400 students are receiving one-time and monthly scholarships aimed at removing financial barriers to higher education.