Dr. Fakhrul Islam Babu Honored with Icons of Change International Award for Mental Health and Unity Efforts
Senior Correspondent
২৮-৭-২০২৫ দুপুর ৪:৫২
Dr. Fakhrul Islam Babu Honored with Icons of Change International Award for Mental Health and Unity Efforts
The Icons of Change International Awards 2025 have honored Dr. Fakhrul Islam Babu with the “Icon of Change” award in recognition of his leadership in advancing youth mental health, social cohesion, and cross-cultural understanding. The award acknowledges his lifelong efforts to empower communities, foster unity amid diversity, and promote ethical leadership across Bangladesh and internationally.
Throughout his career, Dr. Fakhrul has received several notable recognitions. In 2024, he was awarded the Beacon of Hope and Humanity Award by SHADOW for his contributions to social welfare and community empowerment. The following year, he was honored with the Excellence in Social Welfare Award by the World Human Rights Forum for his advocacy of social justice and inclusivity.
He has held influential roles within Rotary International, including past president of the Rotary Club of Dhaka Orchid and current director of the Rotary Club of Kowloon Golden Mile. His work with Rotary has earned him multiple awards, such as the Best Rotarian Award in 2013, the TRUB Award in 2021, and the Human Rights Award in 2024.
Born in Chandpur, Bangladesh, on July 20, 1977, Fakhrul’s early years were marked by strong moral values and community involvement. He founded the Hong Kong Association of Naturalized Chinese to promote mutual respect and social integration among diverse ethnic groups. His promotion of the “Three Principles of the People”—ethnic harmony, public opinion, and livelihoods—continues to influence social discourse in Hong Kong.
He has also been active in environmental initiatives, notably contributing to the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program, which received the Excellence in Urban Coastal and Waterway Rehabilitation Award from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines at PhilMarine 2025. His work aims to address climate change impacts, restore biodiversity, and strengthen urban resilience.
Deeply connected to his cultural roots, Fakhrul adopted the Chinese name 孫逸仙 (Sun Yat-sen) as a symbol of his commitment to societal reform and progress. His family—his wife, Ms. Amor Mabeza Aisha Islam, and their two sons, Tazim and Latif—are his primary sources of inspiration.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Fakhrul expressed gratitude for the award and emphasized the importance of kindness, dialogue, and service. He highlighted his current work supporting Talk Hope, a platform in Bangladesh dedicated to preventing youth suicide and providing hope for those experiencing dark times.
Following the award presentation, he stated, “I am very happy and grateful to receive the Icons of Change Award 2025. This recognition motivates me to continue working with kindness, courage, and hope. Our collective efforts can make a real difference. I dedicate this honor to all changemakers—those who choose hope over fear, service over silence, and action over indifference. Let’s continue working towards a world free of poverty, pollution, and war.”
Dr. Fakhrul’s leadership exemplifies the potential for dialogue, dignity, and dedicated service to foster a more inclusive and peaceful future. His ongoing efforts serve as an inspiration for cross-cultural understanding and social progress worldwide.
Senior Correspondent
২৮-৭-২০২৫ দুপুর ৪:৫২
The Icons of Change International Awards 2025 have honored Dr. Fakhrul Islam Babu with the “Icon of Change” award in recognition of his leadership in advancing youth mental health, social cohesion, and cross-cultural understanding. The award acknowledges his lifelong efforts to empower communities, foster unity amid diversity, and promote ethical leadership across Bangladesh and internationally.
Throughout his career, Dr. Fakhrul has received several notable recognitions. In 2024, he was awarded the Beacon of Hope and Humanity Award by SHADOW for his contributions to social welfare and community empowerment. The following year, he was honored with the Excellence in Social Welfare Award by the World Human Rights Forum for his advocacy of social justice and inclusivity.
He has held influential roles within Rotary International, including past president of the Rotary Club of Dhaka Orchid and current director of the Rotary Club of Kowloon Golden Mile. His work with Rotary has earned him multiple awards, such as the Best Rotarian Award in 2013, the TRUB Award in 2021, and the Human Rights Award in 2024.
Born in Chandpur, Bangladesh, on July 20, 1977, Fakhrul’s early years were marked by strong moral values and community involvement. He founded the Hong Kong Association of Naturalized Chinese to promote mutual respect and social integration among diverse ethnic groups. His promotion of the “Three Principles of the People”—ethnic harmony, public opinion, and livelihoods—continues to influence social discourse in Hong Kong.
He has also been active in environmental initiatives, notably contributing to the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program, which received the Excellence in Urban Coastal and Waterway Rehabilitation Award from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines at PhilMarine 2025. His work aims to address climate change impacts, restore biodiversity, and strengthen urban resilience.
Deeply connected to his cultural roots, Fakhrul adopted the Chinese name 孫逸仙 (Sun Yat-sen) as a symbol of his commitment to societal reform and progress. His family—his wife, Ms. Amor Mabeza Aisha Islam, and their two sons, Tazim and Latif—are his primary sources of inspiration.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Fakhrul expressed gratitude for the award and emphasized the importance of kindness, dialogue, and service. He highlighted his current work supporting Talk Hope, a platform in Bangladesh dedicated to preventing youth suicide and providing hope for those experiencing dark times.
Following the award presentation, he stated, “I am very happy and grateful to receive the Icons of Change Award 2025. This recognition motivates me to continue working with kindness, courage, and hope. Our collective efforts can make a real difference. I dedicate this honor to all changemakers—those who choose hope over fear, service over silence, and action over indifference. Let’s continue working towards a world free of poverty, pollution, and war.”
Dr. Fakhrul’s leadership exemplifies the potential for dialogue, dignity, and dedicated service to foster a more inclusive and peaceful future. His ongoing efforts serve as an inspiration for cross-cultural understanding and social progress worldwide.
