If you look at Shaikh Rifad Mahmud’s daily schedule, you might genuinely wonder how he passes his university classes. He is a full-time Computer Science and Engineering student. But his real impact happens far away from lecture halls and textbooks.
As the Vice President for Democracy and Participation at the Commonwealth Students’ Association, Rifad represents young people across 56 member countries. He is working to ensure student rights are taken seriously by international leaders.
Rifad grew up in Natore and started organizing community projects early on. Instead of joining existing groups, he created his own path by launching the SRI Welfare Foundation. The organization focuses on educational support, climate action, and humanitarian relief.
His ability to organize became clear during the 2018 Safe Roads Movement in Bangladesh. Six years later, during the 2024 anti-discrimination student protests, he gathered support from youth networks in 135 countries. This talent for connecting people is exactly why he now serves on the United Nations Youth Advisory Group in Bangladesh.
Rifad knows how to turn a formal meeting into a productive working session. Recently, he met with former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo in Dhaka. The former president was visiting to lead a Commonwealth Observer Group. Rather than sticking to polite small talk, Rifad used the opportunity to pitch concrete ideas for connecting young leaders in Asia and Africa.
He is also making sure his international work translates into real help back home. In early 2026, Rifad led the Survivor’s Voice Summit in Dhaka. The event brought together more than 650 policymakers, mental health professionals, and students.
His term at the Commonwealth Students’ Association continues through 2028. Whether he is writing newspaper columns about education reform or speaking at international summits, Rifad stays focused on the work itself. He is a clear example of how a student from Bangladesh can actively shape policies that will benefit the next generation.
