Smile Food Products Limited in strategic partnership with Prothom Alo Digital successfully hosted the first edition of Starship Inspiring Ten 2025 at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Sheraton Banani Dhaka. The prestigious event recognized 10 young achievers for their remarkable contributions in diverse fields ranging from technology and education to sports and social initiatives.
Launched in July 2025 the initiative received 416 applications nationwide. After a rigorous selection process 43 candidates were shortlisted from which the jury finalized the Inspiring Ten. Each awardee received a gold medal a certificate and a cheque of BDT 200,000.
The winners are:
- Mostafa Al Momin, Founder & CEO, Palki Motors (Technology Initiative)
- Murshidul Alam Bhuiya, Founder & Director, Team Byartho (Social Initiative)
- Munzereen Shahid, Online Education Content Creator (Online Education)
- Md. Shamim Hasnat, Innovator of Rhythmic Keyboard (Software Technology)
- Subir Nokrek, Founder, Nokrek IT Institute (Freelancing & IT Training)
- Joy Barua Lavlu, Founder, RoboLife Technologies (Robotic Technology)
- Raihan Rafi, Filmmaker (Creative Industry)
- Arian Arif, Founder, Mojar Ishkul (Social Initiative)
- Md. Tasnimul Hasan Tawhid, Innovator of Phylight (Agri-Tech)
- Rituporna Chakma, Footballer (Sports)
The jury was chaired by Professor Syed Farhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor, BRAC University. Members included Habibul Bashar Sumon, former captain of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team and Professor Senjuti Rahman, Chairperson of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Dhaka.
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Speaking at the event Smile Food Products Limited’s Chief Marketing Officer Shoeb Md. Asaduzzaman highlighted three key objectives behind the initiative:
- Recognizing the youth’s role in driving the country’s recent transformations.
- Breaking the norm of awarding recognition only in the later stages of life by honoring achievers at a young age.
- Instilling responsibility and inspiration in the next generation of changemakers.
The awards were presented by distinguished personalities including Matiur Rahman, Editor of Prothom Alo; Sajjad Sharif, Executive Editor, Prothom Alo; Professor Mohammad Kaikobad, academician; Rubaba Dowla, Country Managing Director, Oracle; Afzal Hossain, cultural personality and Afsana Karim (Opi Karim), renowned actor and academic.
The ceremony began with a captivating performance of Kazi Nazrul Islam’s song Mora Jhonjhar Moto Uddam by the Eagle Dance Troupe. The evening also featured musical renditions by Shubhendu Das and Sanjida Mahmud Nandita adding color to the celebration.
In a special interactive session guests scanned QR codes to share the names of their greatest life inspirations. “Mother” emerged as the most mentioned source of inspiration symbolizing the universal bond of motivation.
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Expressing his views Jury Chair Professor Syed Farhat Anwar said “Every candidate displayed unique talent and the potential to positively impact society. Selecting the top ten was a challenging yet rewarding experience.”
Habibul Bashar noted “The selection focused on achievement innovation and continuity of work. Listening to their stories was deeply inspiring for me as well.”
Closing the event Matiur Rahman remarked “These young winners are not only shaping their own futures but also contributing to society and spreading the message of change. We hope their journeys will inspire the next generation to dream bigger and achieve more.”
The event concluded with photo sessions light refreshments and a promise to continue honoring young changemakers in the years ahead.
