1. Our Story In 2018, Shine Bangladesh was founded by Taslima Akter, fueled by the passion and vision of a dynamic group of young changemakers who believed in the power of collective action. What began as a simple idea among committed youth has flourished into a thriving organization dedicated to driving sustainable development across communities.
Our journey is one of relentless passion, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in a brighter future. Guided by the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Shine Bangladesh bridges vision with action, empowering individuals and fostering meaningful change.
From grassroots initiatives that uplift communities to impactful projects addressing critical global challenges, we continue to strive for a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive world. Together, we are building the foundation for a future that we can all be proud of.
2. Mission Statement At Shine Bangladesh, our mission is to contribute to sustainable development and transform lives by tackling global challenges head-on. Guided by the principles of inclusivity, equity, and responsibility, we strive to empower individuals and communities while protecting the planet. Our focus is on achieving good health and well-being, creating decent work opportunities, reducing inequalities, promoting responsible consumption, and taking climate action. Together, we aim to build a future where every individual has access to opportunities, resources, and a healthy environment.
3. Core Values
Inclusivity: We embrace diversity and ensure that everyone has a seat at the table.
Innovation: We believe in creativity and exploring new ideas to solve complex challenges.
Sustainability: Every action we take is guided by the principles of environmental and social responsibility.
Collaboration: We thrive on partnerships that amplify impact and bring people together for a common cause.
Empowerment: We strive to uplift individuals and communities by providing tools and opportunities for growth.
4. The Team Shine Bangladesh is driven by a dynamic team of youth who share a passion for creating positive change. Our team members are innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers, each committed to contributing their skills and energy to tackle challenges and achieve sustainable impact. United by our shared vision, we are proud to be changemakers who bring hope and action to the forefront of our work.
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.