Yasha Sobhan Honored with ‘Mother Teresa International Peace Award 2026’

Yasha Sobhan, Vice Chairman of Safwan Bashundhara Global (SBG), Director of Bashundhara Group and Chairman of Bashundhara Special Children Foundation, has received the ‘Mother Teresa International Peace Award 2026’ in recognition of her long-standing work for improving the lives of children with special needs and raising awareness about autism.

She received the award in the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Autism’ category at an event organised by the SAARC Cultural Forum at a renowned hotel in Dhaka on Saturday (August 29).

The recognition acknowledges Yasha Sobhan’s continued involvement in education, care and overall development programmes for children with special needs through her role as Chairman of Bashundhara Special Children Foundation. Her efforts to promote awareness, inclusion, support and opportunities for children with autism and other special needs were also highlighted through the award.

Her involvement in the welfare of children with special needs alongside her corporate leadership reflects an important aspect of her social responsibility initiatives.

Established in 2017, Bashundhara Special Children Foundation currently works for the education and development of more than 600 children with special needs. Alongside education and essential care, the foundation conducts various programmes aimed at supporting the children’s overall development.

The foundation provides education, therapy, skills development and opportunities for greater independence based on the individual needs and abilities of the children. As its Chairman, Yasha Sobhan remains actively involved in these initiatives.

Her social initiatives also extend beyond children with special needs to other disadvantaged communities. She is associated with organisations working for thalassemia care and supports various initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of people affected by the disease.

In addition, interest-free microcredit programmes are being conducted as part of her social initiatives to strengthen the financial capacity of disadvantaged individuals and families and create livelihood opportunities.

Through Safwan Bashundhara Global, she is also involved in initiatives aimed at expanding and diversifying businesses across different sectors, creating opportunities for employment and economic participation.

These initiatives for children with special needs, people affected by thalassemia and disadvantaged communities reflect her broader involvement in social welfare and human development.

The ‘Mother Teresa International Peace Award 2026’ marks an important recognition of Yasha Sobhan’s contribution to the welfare of children with autism and special needs. The award has also brought renewed attention to the ongoing efforts of Bashundhara Special Children Foundation in education, care, therapy, skills development and creating opportunities for greater independence among children with special needs.

Alongside her leadership roles at Safwan Bashundhara Global and Bashundhara Special Children Foundation, Yasha Sobhan’s social initiatives continue to focus on creating a more supportive and inclusive society for children with special needs and disadvantaged communities.