Our Story
Founded in 2018 by Taslima Akter, Shine Bangladesh began as a grassroots initiative led by a group of passionate young changemakers. What started as a simple idea has grown into a nationally recognized organization committed to transforming education and driving sustainable development across Bangladesh.
Our journey is shaped by purpose, resilience, and a belief in inclusive progress. Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we connect vision with action empowering learners, uplifting communities, and building systems that foster equity and opportunity.
From digital learning innovations to climate education and girls’ leadership programs, Shine Bangladesh continues to deliver scalable, community-driven solutions that respond to today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s possibilities.
Mission Statement
Shine Bangladesh exists to build a future where every learner can thrive. We strengthen education systems, promote equity, and prepare youth for the digital and green economies. Our mission is to deliver inclusive, future-ready learning opportunities that empower individuals, reduce inequalities, and support sustainable development across communities.
Core Values
Equity
We prioritize inclusive access to education, ensuring that girls, children with disabilities, and underserved communities are not left behind.
Innovation
We embrace technology and new pedagogical models to improve learning outcomes and system efficiency.
Effectiveness
We focus on what works. Every program is designed to make a real difference. We use data to track progress, learn from results, and improve over time. Our goal is to help every learner succeed.
The Team
Shine Bangladesh is powered by a dynamic team of youth leaders, educators, technologists, and community mobilizers. We are united by a shared vision of inclusive development and driven by the belief that innovation, collaboration, and compassion can change lives. Our team brings energy, expertise, and empathy to every project turning bold ideas into lasting impact.
Taslima Akter
Laxmi Rani Saha
Ariful Islam Arman
Etha Chakma
Paul Karmaker
Rezaul Alam
Advisors
Dr. Masrur Salekin is an advisor to the Shine Bangladesh team. He is an experienced legal scholar with a deep understanding of environmental law and policy. He is also a passionate advocate for environmental justice.
Dr. Salekin has over 17 years of experience as a judge, researcher, teacher, and legal practitioner. He completed his PhD in Law from the University of Galway, Ireland, where his research topics included environmental justice, judicial pro-activism, separation of powers, and collaborative constitutionalism. He also holds an LL.M. in International Law and Development from the University of Nottingham, which he earned as a Chevening Scholar.
Dr. Salekin is an Additional District and Sessions Judge in Bangladesh Judiciary, He is an adjunct faculty at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University (BSMRAAU), Dhaka International University (DIU), Bangladesh University of Business and Technology, and the Academy of Business Professionals. His teaching and research interests include environmental justice, comparative constitutional law, climate change mitigation, the role of courts, and the training of judges and lawyers.
Dr. Salekin has worked at BRAC and as a Research Supervisor for the Law, Innovation, and Professional Skills module at the School of Law, University of Galway. His scholarship has been published or is forthcoming in several journals, including Environmental Liability: Law, Policy and Practice Journal, Law, Environment and Development Journal, IUCN Academy of Environmental Law series, Judicial Administration and Training Institute Journal, South Asian Journal of Environmental Law and Policy, Dhaka University Law Journal, and the Bangladesh Law Commission Digest.
Dr. Salekin is a valuable asset to the Shine Bangladesh team. He is a knowledgeable and experienced legal scholar with a strong commitment to environmental justice.
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Sarah Amy Glensor Best Sarah Amy Glensor Best is an internationally recognized author, speaker, facilitator, and parenting thought leader with a mission to transform lives through powerful conversations on parenting. Sarah draws from her personal experiences to create meaningful, transformative support for youth & parents worldwide.
She is the creator and leader and offers a range of parent support services, including coaching, workshops, and writing. Sarah’s areas of expertise include fostering strong relationships, improving communication, embracing play, and addressing the real challenges that make parenting so essential in shaping the next generation.
Sarah's approach aligns seamlessly with Shine Bangladesh’s mission of empowering youth and building sustainable communities. Her emphasis on communication and emotional intelligence resonates deeply with efforts to equip young changemakers with vital skills for collaboration, leadership, and innovation.
Through her work, Sarah continues to inspire parents, young people, and organizations to embrace growth, connection, and purpose—one conversation at a time.
5. Impact Areas We focus on five key Sustainable Development Goals that shape our projects and initiatives:
Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3): Promoting healthier lives for all through education, advocacy, and community health initiatives.
Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): Empowering individuals with opportunities for dignified work and sustainable livelihoods.
Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): Bridging gaps and fostering social and economic inclusion for all.
Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): Encouraging sustainable practices and reducing environmental impact.
Climate Action (SDG 13): Advocating for urgent steps to combat climate change and protect the planet.
Join us in our journey to build a brighter, sustainable future for Bangladesh and the world. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, partner with us, or support our initiatives, Shine Bangladesh welcomes your contributions and ideas. Together, we can achieve extraordinary things. Let’s shine a light on positive change because every action counts.