Atikur Rahman, an Icon of Change in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Icons of Change International Awards 2025

Atikur Rahman
Adviser, Talk Hope
Past President, Rotary Club of Dhaka Prime

SDG Focus: Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
Catalyst for Compassionate Leadership and Mental Health Empowerment

In an era where mental health has emerged as one of the most pressing yet often overlooked components of human well-being, Atikur Rahman stands at the forefront of a growing movement to bring empathy, dignity, and support to individuals and communities facing emotional distress. A seasoned leader in the social development space, Mr. Rahman brings with him not only decades of community service but also a profound moral commitment to creating a more compassionate and emotionally resilient society.

Currently serving as Adviser to Talk Hope—Bangladesh’s pioneering suicide prevention and mental wellness initiative—Mr. Rahman has been a central figure in translating empathy into action. Under his thoughtful and strategic leadership, Talk Hope has expanded into a nationally recognized platform that delivers awareness campaigns, psychological first aid, peer support training, and critical intervention services. With a focus on community-based solutions, he has helped strengthen a support ecosystem that is both scalable and deeply rooted in local realities.

Mr. Rahman’s contributions are driven by a philosophy that recognizes mental health as fundamental to individual dignity and societal well-being. His efforts have opened important conversations in schools, homes, workplaces, and policy forums—reminding us that prevention begins not only with access to care, but with the courage to listen, the humility to understand, and the infrastructure to respond.

As a dedicated Rotarian, his work is guided by Rotary’s highest ideals—Service Above Self. Through mentorship, advocacy, and inclusive programming, Mr. Rahman has empowered youth to become agents of peace and social cohesion, while simultaneously mobilizing cross-sectoral partnerships to address the intersection of mental health, stigma, and systemic inequality. His humanitarian approach transcends traditional boundaries, inspiring a new generation of changemakers across Bangladesh and beyond.

Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, Mr. Rahman’s work addresses the urgent need for integrated mental health systems that are accessible, culturally attuned, and community-led. His leadership has not only created safer spaces for vulnerable populations but has also sparked a much-needed shift in how mental health is understood, prioritized, and acted upon in South Asia.

The Icons of Change International Awards 2025 is proud to honor Atikur Rahman as a Catalyst for Compassionate Leadership and Mental Health Empowerment. His tireless advocacy and impact exemplify the power of empathetic leadership in transforming lives, communities, and systems—ensuring that no voice is unheard, and no person is left behind.

#IconsOfChange