After a rigorous three-step application process spanning over five months, twenty-two changemakers have been selected for the second cohort of Acumen Fellows in Bangladesh, according to a press release issued in this regard.

The 2021 cohort is composed of social entrepreneurs leading for-profit and non-profit initiatives, intrapreneurs pushing for change from within institutions, activists challenging the status quo and storytellers changing narratives, states the release.

This year's fellows are:

Fahad Ifaz, CEO of iFarmer

Subrata Kumar Kundu, founder and CEO, bhalo Social Enterprise

Adnin Mourin, manager of operations, Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center

Sajida Rahman Danny, chairman, PFDA-Vocational Training Center Trust

Shamsin Ahmed, CEO & lead consultant of Identity Inclusion

Mohammad Rezwanur Rahman, project coordinator, Inclusive Bangladesh

Debojit Saha, managing director, Kaizen Research Specialists Ltd

Maliha Fawzia, programme director, Teach for Bangladesh

Zahedul Amin, co-founder and director, LightCastle Partners

Ovick Alam, founder, WebAble Bangladesh Limited

Saiful Huq, principal, Counter Foto - A Center for Visual Arts

Dr Sakia Haque, founder, Travelettes of Bangladesh and medical officer, disease control, civil surgeon office, Cox's Bazar

Syeda Samara Mortada, regional movement builder, Asia, SheDecides

Trishia Nashataran, founder, project designer and coordinator, Meye Network

Umama Zillur, founder and director, Kotha

Shahriar Rahman, CEO, Creative Conservation Alliance (CCA)

Sharnalata Roy, president, Sylhet women chamber of commerce and industry

Achia Khaleda, founder, managing director, Women in Digital

Md Saddam Hossain Rony, senior operations coordinator, Drinkwell

Eshrat Waris, principal, product & business, ME SOLshare

Umme Sharmin Kabir, founder, Wreetu

The fellows work across various sectors and represent different geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Each of them demonstrate a strong track record and long-term commitment to end poverty and injustice through their work.

The cohort was chosen after a two-day virtual Selection Conference which assessed 58 finalists, shortlisted from 247 initial applications, by 45 local and international panelists from the Acumen community.

The intensive year-long program builds the skills, attributes, and values of moral leadership through a mix of in-person and online seminars. The Fellowship is also offered in India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Spain, United Kingdom, Colombia and East and West Africa. Upon completion, the Bangladesh cohort will join Acumen's global community of more than 700 Fellows.