Sakibul Hasan

Young organizer Md. Abdullah Al Seam has won the prestigious 'Youth Volunteer Award 2026' for his tireless work in voluntary social service and his efforts to make science and technology accessible to students across the country.

He received the award which includes a crest of honor, a Tk 1lakh cheque and a certificate in the Science, Technology & Technical category from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at a ceremony held at Shapla Hall in the Prime Minister's Office on 17 October 2026. Organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the award recognized 15 young changemakers across various categories for their voluntary and innovative initiatives. At just 21, Seam was the youngest among all the final recipients of this national honor.

When we think of science, we often picture complex equations, dense textbooks and closed laboratory doors. But for Md. Abdullah Al Seam, a 2nd-year Textile Engineering student at Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST), science has always belonged out in the open, in the hands of curious students, in problem-solving community projects and across rural classrooms where young minds are waiting for a spark. Seam has spent years working at the grassroots level to nurture a generation of young science enthusiasts. Yet, behind the trophy and the applause lies a rich, six-year story of leadership, resilience and an steadfast commitment to youth empowerment.

Seam’s journey began early in his youth. Driven by a passion to make learning interactive and creative, he stepped into leadership roles early on; serving as the General Secretary and later Senior Advisor of the Shamsul Hoque Khan School & College Science Club, General Secretary and later Senior Executive of the SHKSC Nutrition Club and General Secretary of the youth platform Intelligent Minds.

By 2023, Seam played a pivotal role in organizing the 8th and 9th DCSC National Science Expositions, bringing together over 10,000 students from across the nation to display their inventions. That same year, he took over as the President of the Dhaka College Science Club, steering one of the country's top institutional science clubs through his dynamic leadership.

Recognizing that enthusiasm shouldn't be confined to urban centers, Seam took his mission beyond the capital. Through collaborations with the Bangladesh Institute of ICT in Development (BIID), he traveled to coastal and remote regions like Cox’s Bazar and Patuakhali to lead targeted food and nutrition awareness campaigns. Furthermore, working alongside the Bangladesh Advanced Robotics Research Center, he helped expand robotics education and interest for students nationwide. Through initiatives like Intelligent Minds, he also organized engaging online competitions, interactive event talks, and podcast sessions "Minutes of Positivity" to prove that talent exists everywhere, it only needs an opportunity.

For Seam, science is incomplete if it doesn't solve everyday human suffering. Over the years, he translated theoretical knowledge into eco-friendly prototypes and practical innovations aimed at easing real-world challenges, such as reducing traffic congestion, tackling urban pollution and developing waste management systems to preserve aquatic ecosystems. His practical work earned him top accolades, including being named Champion three consecutive times (41st, 42nd and 43rd) at the National Science and Technology Week, alongside multiple championship trophies at major science carnivals.

Building on these experiences, Seam organized workshops and interactive sessions at Shamsul Hoque Khan School & College and Dhaka College to help students build practical skills and unleash their hidden potentials. His core objective has always been to popularize co-curricular activities and engage students in creative and scientific pursuits. He also organized interactive, fun-driven learning processes such as Quiz League and dedicated knowledge sessions in marginalized areas to teach current affairs and general knowledge far beyond the traditional textbook.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020 and academic institutions ground to a halt, Seam refused to let learning stop. Leveraging digital platforms, he organized nationwide webinars, science quizzes and creative workshops. By creating safe, engaging online spaces during a period of intense mental stress and isolation, he kept thousands of young students connected to creative learning.

To date, Seam’s work has directly impacted over 20,000 students across Bangladesh. But for him, the greatest reward isn't just the numbers, it's the ripple effect of mentorship. Students mentored under his club frameworks and training sessions have gone on to win over 200 national-level awards in science, robotics and quizzes. Moreover, the workshop modules, club structures and event models he pioneered continue to be run by his juniors today, ensuring a sustainable, long-lasting legacy.

Now balancing his undergraduate studies in Textile Engineering at AUST with corporate logistics roles and youth organizing, Seam remains focused on the bigger picture: turning Bangladesh’s youth into a technically skilled, problem-solving human resource.

Reflecting on his milestone achievement, Seam shared, "Receiving this national recognition after nearly six years of voluntary work gives me the motivation to do even more for our society. The encouraging words and guidance from the Prime Minister and the State Minister for Youth and Sports will inspire me to keep serving Bangladesh for the rest of my life. Science isn't meant to remain locked inside textbooks. My goal is to make technical knowledge accessible to every corner of Bangladesh so that our generation can build a self-reliant, sustainable future."

As Seam continues his journey, his story serves as a powerful reminder to every student reader: you don't have to wait for graduation to make an impact. With initiative, empathy and persistent action, your passion can reshape society right now. Organizers and mentors alike believe his story will encourage more young people to step up, use science for problem-solving and actively build a better tomorrow.