3,413 students honoured at BRAC Kumon ASHR 2026

A total of 3,413 students from Dhaka and Chattogram were honoured for progressing beyond their school grade level at the BRAC Kumon ASHR 2026 (Advanced Student Honour Roll) held on Friday at BRAC University.

Organised by BRAC Kumon, the programme recognises students who study one to five years or more ahead of their grade level through the Kumon Method, which focuses on self-learning and regular practice.

Around 10,000 students in Bangladesh are currently enrolled in the programme, with many advancing several years ahead academically, according to organisers.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj attended the event as chief guest, while Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi was present as special guest. The programme was chaired by Asif Saleh, executive director of BRAC and chairperson of BRAC Kumon Limited.

Speaking at the event, Bobby Hajjaj said improving the quality of primary education remains a priority, noting that Bangladesh has nearly 20 million primary-level students. He added that learning approaches such as Kumon could offer insights for broader application through public-private collaboration.

Saida Shinichi said the recognition reflects not only academic achievement but also the development of confidence and self-awareness among students. He also shared his own experience as a former Kumon student.

Asif Saleh said the method helps students build independent learning skills, enabling them to adapt in a competitive environment. He added that BRAC aims to work with the government to expand such approaches nationwide.

Nehal Bin Hasan, chief business officer of BRAC Kumon, presented an overview of the method, highlighting its role in strengthening reading comprehension through the English programme.

This year’s event, themed “The Japanese Spirit of Mastery”, featured cultural elements including a Taiko drum performance, as well as activities such as Manga and Shodo art.

BRAC Kumon started its operations in Bangladesh in 2017 and now runs 35 centres in Dhaka and Chattogram.

Representatives from various organisations, including Kumon Institute of Education, Japan International Cooperation Agency, MUFG Bank Ltd., Ekmattra Entrepreneurs Ltd., Bangladesh SEZ Ltd., and BRAC University, were present.

The programme was supported by Aarong, BRAC Bank, Aarong Dairy, IPDC Finance PLC, and other partners.