BRAC

Meet Mst Jahanara Amin, one of the returnees of BRAC’s BRIDGE Returnship programme at the Microfinance programme. With eight years of banking experience, Jahanara’s professional journey came to a standstill following the birth of her child. After working for one year post-maternity, she felt she was missing out on quality time with her child and decided to take a break from her career. With her child now a bit older, she feels ready to resume her career. Jahanara believes that “The BRIDGE Returnship programme is designed for women like me, who have taken a break due to some reason. So, I did not feel like I had to compete with others who were already in the workforce." Though her background lies in banking, she has always wanted to contribute to and make a positive impact in the development sector.  #NotJustAnyJob

With fourteen years of experience, Mouree Israt Khan joined BRAC through its BRIDGE Returnship programme in the Executive Director’s Office. After her first maternity leave, Mouree returned to work, where she could avail daycare services for her child. However, her second child was born during the pandemic, and finding a reliable and safe daycare proved difficult. So, she decided to take a break from her career, and spend more time with her children. Now, with both of her children growing up, Mouree is excited to resume her career and is eager to bring her expertise and experience to BRAC. One of her goals is to empower her children by showing them the importance of independence and the value of having a career — helping them understand that their mother has both a professional life and the nurturing role of motherhood. #NotJustAnyJob

“...how to build a big, efficient organisation, while never forgetting who you were doing it for. We will forever draw inspiration from his work, as will the rest of the world, which he left so much better than he found.” – Melinda Gates, Co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

“Abed was one of the foremost leaders of thought as well as action of our time. Not only did he transform Bangladesh, and indeed a lot of the world, by his radical initiatives, he proceeded to his actions through identifying what our deprived world needed, using remarkably penetrating analysis and social scrutiny. An astonishing combination of clear-headed thinking and sure-footed execution made Abed the great leader that he was. We have had very few like him in the history of the world.” – Amartya Sen, Nobel Laureate, Economist and Philosopher

BRAC’s BRIDGE Returnship programme has selected 15 women from almost 1,100 applicants to join various BRAC programmes for a six-month period. Additionally, the top 100 shortlisted candidates will benefit from skills development, leadership workshops, mentoring, and other professional growth opportunities. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gFfEUuka #NotJustAnyJob

“Leadership demands social and emotional intelligence—qualities women naturally excel in. Yet, despite the progress they have made in education, they remain underrepresented in leadership roles in Bangladesh,” said Asif Saleh, Executive Director, BRAC highlighting women’s participation in the workforce isn’t just about diversity—it's a move that drives growth. On Thursday, BRAC hosted a press meet to introduce the first cohort of BRIDGE Returnees—females who have successfully resumed their professional journeys after a career break. In the press meet, Moutushi Kabir, Senior Director of People, Culture, and Communications, BRAC, also urged industry leaders to redefine career breaks as a sign of courage, not weakness. HR leaders from various organisations joined the meet to share their insights on fostering inclusive workplaces and supporting women in leadership. #NotJustAnyJob

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Syed Manzur Elahi - one of Bangladesh's most distinguished industrialists and entrepreneurs. He played a vital role in Bangladesh's financial sector. He also served as a member of the Regulatory Reforms Commission and the Public Administration Reforms Commission, helping to shape policy changes aimed at strengthening governance and the ease of doing business in Bangladesh. His legacy of innovation, resilience, and social commitment will continue to inspire generations. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

"The passion of my lifetime has been to work with people living in poverty and to see them, with the right resources and opportunities, transform into agents of change in their own lives, families and communities." - Sir Fazle Hasan Abed

Meet Mary Sharmila Karmokar, who recently joined the BRIDGE Returnship programme, and is now working with BRAC Migration. Career breaks for women are often assumed to be linked to motherhood. However, Sharmila stepped away from her career to fulfil her responsibilities as a daughter. She worked for 10 years before she chose to step away from her career and prioritise her family. Her mother was unwell, and she wanted to care for her and spend more time with her family. Now, eager to re-enter the workforce and apply her skills and experience in a new, meaningful role.

"Success to me means that I've been able to make somebody else's life better." We are deeply honoured and proud to share that BRAC Founder, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, has been posthumously awarded the Independence Award 2025, the highest civilian honour in Bangladesh. This prestigious recognition, conferred by the Government of Bangladesh, celebrates his lifelong commitment to social progress and his transformative impact on millions of lives worldwide.