Celebrating Bangladesh's institutions that changed lives

Every nation has institutions that quietly shape its future. They educate generations, heal the sick, drive innovation, stand beside people in times of crisis, create jobs, promote inclusion, and push the country forward.

Their impact is often measured not in headlines but in the millions of lives they touch over decades.

The Brac Bank Impact Awards 2026 has been created to recognise these institutions—organisations whose contributions have left a lasting imprint on Bangladesh's social and economic development.

The awards, launched to mark Brac Bank's 25th anniversary in collaboration with The Business Standard, celebrate organisations that have consistently demonstrated excellence, innovation, sustainability and a deep commitment to national progress.

Selecting the winners, however, proved to be anything but straightforward.

The journey began with partnering up with The Business Standard's editorial and research teams, who compiled a long list of nearly 130 organisations representing a diverse range of sectors. These included healthcare, education, agriculture, business, finance, technology, humanitarian services, culture, research, sports and public institutions. Each organisation's history, long-term impact, governance, innovation and contribution to Bangladesh's development were carefully examined before the list was narrowed to 63 outstanding institutions.

Reaching the final 25 was the most challenging stage of the entire process.

To ensure credibility, transparency and independence, a distinguished five-member jury was entrusted with the responsibility of making the final selections. The jury comprised Professor Mohammad Kaykobad, distinguished professor at Brac University; Professor Mustafizur Rahman, distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD); Shamsul Huq Zahid, editor of The Financial Express; Professor Dr Rubana Huq, vice chancellor of Asian University for Women and Professor Dr Sayema Haque Bidisha of the University of Dhaka. Together, they brought decades of experience spanning academia, economics, public policy, business and journalism.

Each shortlisted institution was independently evaluated against a comprehensive set of criteria, including measurable social impact, sustainability, innovation, inclusiveness and alignment with Bangladesh's development priorities.

What became clear during the deliberations was that there were no easy decisions.

The difference between making the final list and narrowly missing out was often marginal. Every one of the 63 shortlisted institutions had earned its place through decades of meaningful contributions to the nation. Many have transformed entire sectors, pioneered new ideas, supported vulnerable communities or built institutions that continue to serve millions of Bangladeshis.

For the jury, the challenge was not identifying deserving organisations- it was selecting only 25 among exceptionally strong candidates.

That reality is perhaps the greatest testament to Bangladesh's institutional landscape. Across public, private and non-profit sectors, the country is home to organisations that have demonstrated resilience, innovation and an unwavering commitment to serving society. While only 25 institutions could ultimately receive the honour this year, the achievements of all 63 shortlisted organisations deserve recognition and appreciation.

The Brac Bank Impact Awards therefore represent more than a list of winners. They celebrate the values that drive national progress- integrity, innovation, service and long-term impact. They also acknowledge the people behind these institutions whose dedication has created lasting change across generations.

At a time when Bangladesh continues its journey towards becoming a more prosperous, inclusive and knowledge-driven economy, recognising impactful institutions serves another important purpose. It inspires others to raise standards, invest in people, pursue meaningful innovation and create value that extends far beyond financial success.

The organisations honoured today come from different sectors and pursue different missions, yet they share a common characteristic: they have made Bangladesh stronger.

Their stories remind us that lasting progress is rarely the work of individuals alone. It is built by institutions that earn public trust over time, adapt to changing challenges and remain committed to improving people's lives.

Today, we celebrate not only the 25 award recipients, but also every institution whose work has helped shape modern Bangladesh. The selection may have been difficult, but the message is clear: impactful institutions deserve to be recognised, celebrated and encouraged to continue building the nation's future.